π¨ HULL STUNS MAN UNITED 2-0, CARRICK STAYS COOL AFTER SHOCK OPENER
22 August 2026, 18:32
π THE FULL PICTURE:
Hull City pulled off a massive upset, putting two goals past Manchester United in the first half to grab their first-ever top-flight win over the Red Devils. This was also their first league victory against United since 1974, and the home crowd ate it up. Even the stadium announcer got in on the fun, joking about cancelled trains back to Manchester. Fans sang "You should have come in a taxi." Ouch. Wayne Rooney said United didn't create much and didn't look ready. Alan Shearer blamed fitness, but the reporter saw all six preseason games and disagrees. Marcus Rashford came on at halftime, his first appearance since December 2024. Bruno Fernandes pointed to the same old away-game mistakes, especially pressing and set-pieces. Hull's coach had targeted set-pieces all week, and it worked. Carrick stayed calm: "It's just one game." He admitted he's hurting inside but won't panic. The Β£70m deal for Carlos Baleba is already done, so it's not a 2022-style crisis response.
π MY TAKE:
This is a wild way to start a season, dude. Losing to a promoted side in the opener? That stings. But Carrick's vibe is the polar opposite of Amorim's chaos, which might actually be smart. No screaming, just steady work. Still, Fernandes calling out the same flaws from last season? That's a red flag. The Baleba transfer shows the club isn't hitting the panic button, but United need to fix that pressing and set-piece defense, and fast. Ipswich next, another promoted team. If they drop points there, the calm talk gets real loud, real quick.