Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has urged supporters to remain patient after his side opened the 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a disappointing 2–0 defeat away to newly promoted Hull City.
Goals from Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy in the first half condemned United to a difficult start at the MKM Stadium, with the visitors struggling to find a response against an organised Hull side.
Despite the setback, Carrick insisted the result should not alter the club’s broader direction, stressing that improvements are still required but that the defeat represents only one match in a long campaign.
“One game doesn’t change the whole direction of everything, but we need to be aware where we need to improve.”
Carrick acknowledged the disappointment of losing the opening fixture but called for calm as United look to respond in their next league outing.
The defeat also marked a memorable return to the Premier League for Hull, who secured their first top-flight victory over Manchester United and their first league win against the club in 52 years.
For Carrick, the immediate priority will be addressing United’s defensive vulnerability and lack of attacking sharpness while ensuring the opening-day setback does not derail the progress he believes the team has made.