Hull vs Man United: Carrick’s 2026/27 Premier League test begins

Manchester United begin the 2026/27 Premier League season away to Hull City on 22 August, with Michael Carrick starting his first full campaign as manager. The fixture is the opening round, and United arrive after finishing third last season to secure Champions League football.

Carrick’s 17-match spell last season produced 12 victories and turned United’s campaign around. That progress has raised expectations, but the new season begins with a difficult test against a Hull side returning to the top flight for the first time since 2017.

United’s pre-season included a 4-2 defeat by AC Milan, a result Carrick said offered no excuses. The manager remained positive about the wider preparation, but an away win at Hull would quickly settle concerns and underline United’s ambition after their strong finish last term.

The two teams’ recent results have been positive. Hull have won four of their last five matches, beating Rizespor 2-1, Konyaspor 3-0, Middlesbrough 1-0 and Millwall 2-0, with a goalless draw against Millwall in the other game. United have recorded wins over Rosenborg BK, Brighton and Nottingham Forest, drawn 0-0 with Sunderland and lost 1-0 to Wrexham.

Hull earned promotion through the play-offs, with victories over Millwall and Middlesbrough completing a late surge after they had been widely expected to struggle. Sergej Jakirovic has since added 11 players and broken the club’s transfer record, giving the Tigers a reshaped squad and the advantage of opening at home without the same pressure as United.

There are concerns in the Hull defence after they conceded 66 goals in the Championship. Goalkeeper Jack Butland and defenders Charlie Hughes and Oscar Zambrano could be unavailable. United have never lost to Hull in 10 Premier League meetings, while they are unbeaten in 12 opening-day games against promoted teams, but Hull’s energy presents a clear threat to Carrick’s first full-season plans.