Man Utd boss Michael Carrick focused on the "good things" his side had done despite a dismal 2-0 defeat at newly-promoted Hull City on the opening day of the new season. United were outfought and outplayed, with two set-piece goals giving the Tigers a richly deserved victory and their first over United in more than half a century.

The loss punctured optimism surrounding Carrick’s first full campaign. Despite picking up more points than anyone since January, the shock defeat to a depleted Hull side brought things crashing back to earth. United lost 63 per cent of their duels, yet Carrick insisted: "We did some good things today... because we lose one game, it doesn't mean everything needs dissecting."

Captain Bruno Fernandes struck a more critical tone, noting repeated mistakes from last season. "In the first 20 minutes, their goalkeeper was the one with the most touches," he said. United needed to press more aggressively and defend set-pieces better. Against these types of teams, they are waiting for that moment. Managerial pressure is already mounting among supporters following the heavy opening-day setback.