The opening fixture of the season turned into a disaster for Michael Carrick, who, after a promising short-term stint at the end of the previous campaign, was handed the permanent role of Manchester United’s manager for the 2026/27 season.
In his first competitive match as the full-time boss, he watched his side suffer a 2-0 defeat against newly-promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium. The Championship playoff winners, making their long-awaited return to the Premier League, delivered a composed and clinical performance. Defender Semi Ajayi opened the scoring by reacting quickest to a loose ball from a corner, while Nobel Mendy doubled the lead with another header, once again exposing United’s fragility from set pieces. Despite dominating possession with 72%, United created very little, while Hull were sharper, better organized, and far more effective in front of goal, claiming their first league win over United in over five decades.
Where Did It Go Wrong for United?
The defeat highlighted persistent issues in United’s midfield, even after the additions of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Neither player managed to take control of the game, and the pair struggled to make an impact against Hull’s compact setup. Captain Bruno Fernandes also failed to provide his usual spark or leadership, leaving the team without a creative outlet. United circulated the ball comfortably but lacked the incision to break down a well-drilled defense, anchored by the impressive center-back pairing of Ajayi and Mendy, who were the standout performers for the Tigers. On the counter, Hull repeatedly found space in behind United’s backline, exposing flaws in Carrick’s tactical structure. It was a sobering wake-up call for the new manager, as the optimism generated by last season’s strong finish quickly faded, revealing that the squad’s deeper issues remain unresolved despite the change in personnel.
Manchester United Seal Carlos Baleba Transfer
This makes the imminent arrival of Carlos Baleba all the more crucial. According to Fabrizio Romano, United have finalized all paperwork with Brighton and Hove Albion for the transfer of the Cameroon international. The deal is worth an initial £65 million, with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons, and Brighton have also negotiated a sell-on clause. Baleba is set to sign a five-year contract, with the option of a further year. At 22, he becomes United’s third midfield recruit of the summer, following Tielemans and Santos. Having made 112 appearances for Brighton, including 31 in the Premier League last season, he arrives as a natural successor to Casemiro, who left the club after his contract expired.
Can Baleba Prevent Another Defeat Like Hull?
It is possible, but he is not a magic solution. While his physical attributes are exactly what United lacked against Hull, his energy, strength, mobility, and ability to win the ball and drive forward under pressure should give Carrick the midfield engine he needs. Baleba can cover ground, shield the defense, and help United advance the ball more effectively, which could transform the team’s balance as the campaign progresses. However, he is still only 22 and making a significant step up in his career. He also recently recovered from an ankle ligament injury, and he is joining a squad with issues that go beyond the middle of the park, despite the club’s rich history. Baleba could prove to be an excellent fit for Carrick’s style, but the responsibility now falls on the former United captain to demonstrate that he is the right man to lead this team and get the best out of his players.