Fernandes condemns familiar mistakes after Hull stun Man United 2-0

Manchester United began the 2026/27 Premier League season with a 2-0 defeat by Hull City. Hull scored both goals from set pieces before half-time, giving United their first loss of the campaign at the opening hurdle.

United captain Bruno Fernandes said the performance repeated problems that affected the team last season, especially in away matches. He criticised the side for allowing Hull too much possession and for failing to apply enough pressure early in the game.

Fernandes also pointed to United’s build-up play, noting that the goalkeeper was heavily involved during the opening 20 minutes. In his view, the team needed to press with greater intensity, show more aggression and improve its work at set pieces.

The midfielder said United had expected dead-ball situations to be important to Hull’s game. Hull had used a back four throughout pre-season but switched to a back five for this match, with the extra height helping them attack set pieces and defend United’s deliveries.

United had started with new midfield pairing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but the addition of the two players could not prevent the same defensive weakness from deciding the game. Michael Carrick’s team conceded twice before the interval and could not recover.

For Hull, the victory provided an immediate return to the Premier League with a major result after the club had only just secured promotion. United, meanwhile, start the new league campaign without a point and with Fernandes demanding a sharper approach from the squad.