Man Utd have 'a lot to learn' after shock Hull defeat

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick admitted his team has "a lot to learn" after a shocking 2-0 loss to newly promoted Hull City in their opening Premier League match. The Tigers secured a stunning victory at the MKM Stadium with first-half goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy, leaving United looking disorganized.

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We have a bit to improve on, it was never going to be perfect. Going behind makes it more difficult, against a promoted team at home.

United appeared weak in attack and clumsy in defense, a combination that allowed Hull to celebrate their return to the top flight after a nine-year absence. Hopes of challenging for the title after finishing third last season were quickly dashed, with United falling far short of the standard set by champions Arsenal. Carrick pointed to sloppy defending on two set-pieces as the reason for the defeat.

"We have a bit to improve on, it was never going to be perfect. Going behind makes it more difficult, against a promoted team at home," Carrick said. "We can't give them much and they had opportunities. We're disappointed but it won't knock us."

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We can't give them much and they had opportunities. We're disappointed but it won't knock us.

Carrick had cautioned against underestimating Hull and Ipswich, the other promoted side United will face soon. His warning proved accurate, but he vowed the team would learn from the painful experience. "It's for us to know and to improve during the week and keep getting stronger as a group. We have a lot to learn from it," he stated. "Two goals is frustrating anyway. They decide the game today and there's things to improve on."

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It's for us to know and to improve during the week and keep getting stronger as a group. We have a lot to learn from it.

United's transfer window was relatively quiet, despite Carrick's calls for more signings. Debutants Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos were ineffective in midfield and were substituted. While a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is agreed, more new players are needed based on this lackluster performance. "One game doesn't change the direction of everything. It doesn't change the direction of the football club," Carrick concluded.

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Two goals is frustrating anyway. They decide the game today and there's things to improve on.