Carrick explains why Man Utd lost 2-0 to Hull City in EPL opener

Hull City defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the Premier League opener, with Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scoring for the hosts. The result marked Hull’s return to the top flight and gave them a winning start, while United began the campaign with a defeat.

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick said conceding early left his side facing a difficult task against a newly promoted opponent playing at home. He felt Hull had greater protection after taking the lead and were able to defend their advantage.

Carrick said United had opportunities during the match but lacked the decisive quality needed either to finish them or produce more chances. He described the result as a major disappointment but insisted the defeat would not affect the team’s resolve.

Ajayi opened the scoring before Mendy added the second, allowing Hull to celebrate their top-flight return with a clean-sheet victory. United could not find a response after falling behind, as the Tigers held on to their two-goal advantage.

Hull’s listed league position is 10th, with 0 points from 0 matches and a 0-0 goal record. Their recent sequence, however, shows wins over Rizespor, Konyaspor, Middlesbrough and Millwall, followed by a 0-0 draw with Millwall. Those results include a 2-1 win at Rizespor, a 3-0 victory at Konyaspor, a 1-0 home success against Middlesbrough and a 2-0 win at Millwall.

Hull’s next fixture is away to Coventry City on August 29, 2026, in the Premier League. Carrick’s immediate focus will be on responding to an opening-day result that left United needing improvement after failing to score.