Manchester United lost 2-0 away at Hull City on Saturday, with the latter’s aerial- and counter-attacking approach proving the deciding factor in the game.
The Tigers’ crosses into the box and aggressive attitude put Man United on the backfoot and at an inability to bounce back to break down a resolute defensive structure.
Midfield remains a problem for the Red Devils, with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos both featuring in the game, but whose distribution and intensity was a distinct weakness across the encounter.
A ‘typical’ Man Utd performance
“Some of it was OK. There’s bits to improve on,” Man United boss Michael Carrick told TNT Sports, quoted on Sky Sports.
“It was never going to be perfect, but going behind and giving ourselves a lot to do makes it more difficult.
“It was a typical one of those games, with a newly promoted team at home. You can’t give them much – they’ve got a lot to hold on to.
“After that, we had moments and opportunities, but we didn’t have the spark to put the chances away or create any more.
“We’re bitterly disappointed with the result, but we won’t let it knock us.”
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Same old, same old
“Same mistakes as we did last season – every away game, we give too much of the ball to them,” Man United captain Bruno Fernandes added.
“In the first 20 minutes, the goalkeeper was the one with the most touches.
“We needed to press more, be more aggressive and then again we need to work on set-plays and not concede these types of goals.
“Against these types of teams, they are waiting for that moment. We knew before the game set-pieces would be a big part of their game.
“They played all pre-season with a back four but had a five against us for some height, for these moments.”
‘Don’t lose belief in us’
“I understand the frustration,” Fernandes continued.
“Every season that starts, we want to compete and go as forward as we can, winning every game.
“We need them [the fans] on our side, like last season, believing in us. We know we need more from ourselves too.”
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