Carrick Admits Man Utd Have ‘A Lot to Learn’ After Shock Hull Defeat

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has admitted his side have “a lot to learn” after suffering a shock 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City in their Premier League season opener on Saturday.

United endured a disappointing performance at the MKM Stadium as first-half goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy secured a famous victory for Hull on their return to the Premier League after nine years away.

Carrick’s team struggled to create clear chances while defensive mistakes at two set-pieces proved costly.

The defeat is a major setback for United, who finished third last season and entered the new campaign with ambitions of challenging for the Premier League title.

Their performance also contrasted sharply with the standards set by reigning champions Arsenal.

Carrick acknowledged that United must improve after failing to deal with Hull’s threat.

“We have a bit to improve on, it was never going to be perfect. Going behind makes it more difficult, against a promoted team at home,” he said.

“We can’t give them much and they had opportunities. We’re disappointed but it won’t knock us.”

The United boss had previously warned his players against underestimating Hull and Ipswich, who will be their opponents next week.

Despite the disappointing result, Carrick insisted the defeat could provide valuable lessons for his team.

“It’s for us to know and to improve during the week and keep getting stronger as a group. We have a lot to learn from it,” he said.

Carrick also expressed frustration at the two goals conceded, stressing that United must improve their defensive organisation ahead of their next fixture.

“Two goals is frustrating anyway. They decide the game today and there’s things to improve on,” he added.