Hull City celebrated their return to the Premier League with an excellent 2-0 win over Manchester United at a raucous MKM Stadium.
Promoted via the play-offs to the top flight for the first time in a decade, the Tigers got off to a perfect start as centre-halves Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy each struck. The defensive pair were on hand to thunder and head home respectively after balls into the box had caused chaos, with Hull tenacious and well-organised thereafter to hold out for a deserved clean sheet and three points – their first in the Premier League against Manchester United.
It was a disappointing start to Michael Carrick’s permanent time in charge as his side suffered a set-back against a team tipped by many to go back down. The Manchester United manager handed debuts to Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos – with Carlos Baleba seemingly set to follow the midfield duo to Old Trafford – but the visitors cutting edge in forward areas, despite an outing off the bench for Marcus Rashford.
Follow all the action from Hull vs Manchester United with our live blog below:
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Hull City vs Manchester United live
- Hull take on Manchester United in the Premier League | Live on TNT Sports
- Hull XI: Tzolakis; Coyle, Egan, Ajayi, Mendy, Giles; Slater, Crooks; Belloumi, Stroud; McBurnie
- Man Utd XI: Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Tielemans, Andrey Santos; Dorgu, B. Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
- 18' GOAL! Ajayi converts rebound to stun Red Devils [HUL 1-0 MUN]
- 38' GOAL! Mendy doubles Tigers' lead in hammer blow to United [HUL 2-0 MUN]
Man Utd urged to sign new striker before transfer deadline
15:40 , Jack Rathborn“The squad depth is good, they could do with another striker option, Sesko didn't start,” Owen Hargraves says on TNT Sports.
“Baleba coming in, it's a good squad, a top four squad. I thought they were best counter-attacking teams. When they had to make the ball, they didn't look like scoring.
“I think they'll go back to the drawing board, can we make the pitch a bit bigger, get Bruno on the ball.”
Carrick refuses to panic after shocking loss to Hull
15:30 , Jack Rathborn"It's one game, it's one game, it's disappointing,” Carrick tells TNT Sports.
“It hurts, of course, but it doesn't change the direction of where the football club is going, stay calm and in the bubble."
Hull claim three points despite absences
15:20 , Jack RathbornHull City owner Acun Ilıcalı said before the match: "We have 7-8 absences. If we get 1 point, we'll be happy."
Imagine what Hull will be like at full strength then?
A perfect start for the newly-promoted side.
Hull's next fixtures
15:12 , Jack RathbornThe Tigers are flying and will relish these fixtures before the international break:
- 25 August: Stoke City (A) - Carabao Cup
- 29 August: Coventry City (A)
- 5 September: Aston Villa (H)
- 12 September: Chelsea (A)
- 19 September: Newcastle United (A)
Man United's next fixtures
15:06 , Jack RathbornAfter that disastrous start to the season, Michael Carrick must look ahead to these games before the international break
- 30 August: Ipswich (H)
- 6 September: Everton (A)
- 13 September: Man City (H)
- 20 September: Fulham (A)
Michael Carrick bemoans United's vulnerability at set-pieces
14:58 , Jack Rathborn"Some was OK, bits to improve on, it was never going to be perfect today, going behind, giving us a lot to do, makes it more difficult. Typical for a newly promoted side at home, you can't give them much, a lot to hold on to. We had opportunities, couldn't put our chances away. Bitterly disappointed but it won't knock us,” Carrick tells TNT Sports.
"I'm not going into details now, it's for us to know, that'll come, today is a game we can't ignore, a lot to learn from it, and we will.
"Two goals is frustrating anyway, but for sure, set plays, we've been pretty good at it for a period of time, but it's decided the game, that's one of them, it's obvious to say, one game doesn't change the direction of everything, we need to be aware of what to get better at.”
Regan Slater highlights special Hull quality
14:50 , Jack Rathborn"You can see what it means to everyone, it's nice to see it's carried on. A nice solid performance to build on,” Regan Slater says.
“Proud, you see your family in the crowd, to get the win as well, it’s perfect.
“That (second balls) was massive for us last year, we run about a bit, we got success landing on second balls, it’s important.”
Crooks reveals key to Hull approach
14:41 , Jack Rathborn“We didn’t have much of the ball in the Championship, it’s not that different,” Matt Crooks, whose family have season tickets at Man Utd. “We wanted to be compact.
“He said to enjoy it, we worked hard last year to enjoy these days. It’s been a long road to this moment, it’s brilliant.”
United mauled by the Tigers to start Premier League season
14:35 , Jack Rathborn“This team’s got resilience,” Hull’s captain Lewie Coyle says on TNT Sports.
“We know what we’re doing when we’re in that sort of low block.
“The gaffer’s got us well drilled... But it’s a collective thing.”
Man Utd suffer dismal start to Premier League season
14:28 , Richard Jolly at MKM StadiumA dismal start to the season for Manchester United and a brilliant start to one for Hull City, deserved winners and better in every aspect. With the possible exceptions of Senne Lammens and Bryan Mbeumo, none of the United starters can be happy with their performances. Oli McBurnie was superb for Hull, though if the man of the match award goes to their second goalscorer, it will be a Nobel prize.
FT Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
14:25 , Jack RathbornA first win over United in the league for 52 years for Hull, just remarkable.
“One of the shocks of the season already, it's a major surprise, the turnaround under Carrick was exceptional, this is as big a surprise as you will get,” says TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
14:23 , Jack Rathborn90+5 mins
Herrington is disciplined at the back for Hull and United are out of ideas.
Maguire off the chest, then a volley from a narrow angle, not quite Marco Van Basten, it’s wide for a goal kick.
A terrible start to the season for United, this.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
14:21 , Jack Rathborn90+2 mins
Ryan Giles is given player of the match... Though admittedly five more could have a case in orange and black today.
"We're going to win the league,” sing the Hull fans.
Egan outmuscles Sesko to deny him a header towards goal.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
14:17 , Jack Rathborn89 mins
Slater with a nice touch, combining well with Crooks today, they’ve been immense in the midfield battle and outworked Tielemans and Santos before their early departures.
Fernandes with a shot blocked and out for a corner, the assist king has struggled to find any joy today.
But the Portuguese’s cross is deflected towards the near post, but Hull’s goalkeeper Tzolakis is down quickly, the Greek shot-stopper has impressed.
And there are six additional minutes...
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
14:13 , Jack Rathborn84 mins
United fans being goaded by their Hull counterparts: "You're going home in a taxi,.”
Maguire now taking matters into his own hands, a combination in off the right, then a powerful shot, but it’s too central.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
14:09 , Jack Rathborn80 mins
Maguire now operating as a forward and drifting around the Hull box.
United send on Dalot and Lacey for Mazraoui and Cunha.
Liam Millar is a threat on the break down the left now, but Hull don’t commit enough bodies and the cross is easily cleared.
Sesko now emerging as a target with United swinging balls into the area.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
14:07 , Jack Rathborn77 mins
United sending Maguire into the Hull box and he gets a few touches, too, topping up the United count to 29 against the 10 of Hull.
Mbeumo is through on goal, lovely ball from Cunha but under pressure the shot is too close to Tzolakis.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
14:04 , Jack Rathborn75 mins
Mbeumo cuts inside after a drive down the right.
His curling effort spirals over the bar though. A nice idea, but United are getting desperate, just 15 minutes remaining.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
14:03 , Richard Jolly at MKM StadiumBig cheers from the Hull faithful as it is announced two trains back to Manchester have been cancelled. The United fans' day gets worse. The British trains remain terrible.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
13:57 , Richard Jolly at MKM StadiumOff go the new midfield double act of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Not exactly a debut to savour for either. It may make United still keener to complete the deal for Carlos Baleba.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
13:56 , Jack Rathborn67 mins
What a challenge from Egan to deny Cunha. Shaw went long and got the cutback to the Brazilian in a nice move from United.
Mazraoui stretching at the back post, but he can’t control it on target.
Mainoo and Sesko also about to come on for United... Tielemans and Santos off after two poor debuts.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
13:53 , Jack Rathborn63 mins
Belloumi with a dipping shot after coming in from the right, United still with plenty to worry about.
Mendy is off to a standing ovation after his goal. Hull now within half an hour of a precious three points. His replacement is £13m signing Herrington, just 18 years of age and fresh from a World Cup with Australia.
And the other goalscorer Ajayi is also off, former United defender McNair replaces him.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
13:48 , Jack Rathborn59 mins
Maguire dancing forward and pushing it out wide to Cunha, who brings in Rashford.
But Rashford loses it to Crooks, United unable to break down the Tigers right now.
McBurnie offering an outlet now too. Brilliant determination to dribble through United’s midfield and offer some respite after plenty of pressure.
United out of excuses for slow start?
13:44 , Richard Jolly at MKM StadiumUnited have looked off the pace but only four of their outfield starters were even at the World Cup. They can't use that as an excuse
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
13:43 , Jack Rathborn54 mins
United on the ball now and Maguire carrying it out as Hull drop off.
There are counter-attack opportunities here for the hosts, particularly down United’s left.
Ajayi is covering well when Shaw gets down and around the left flank though.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
13:39 , Jack Rathborn50 mins
Rashford causing problems already, a nice direct run and Slater hauls him down.
Maguire is on the last man now, having stayed upfield, and United go long to the centre-back. United changing things up now.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
13:37 , Jack Rathborn47 mins
Mbeumo and Cunha have switched, now the Cameroonian is through the middle.
Carrick looks concerned on the touchline. That was a tidy move involving Mbeumo though, more intricate and there was space in the box.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
13:34 , Jack RathbornPatrick Dorgu is off, Marcus Rashford is on...
His last United appearance was in Plzen in Czechia in December 2024, notes Richard Jolly, he has played for Aston Villa and Barcelona since. And now, belatedly, this is his 427th game for United.
United have a mountain to climb.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
13:26 , Jack RathbornMarcus Rashford is warming up and about to come on at half-time.
“I think Slater has been amazing, the ball was majestic. They’ve just been better, duels, set-pieces, a brilliant gameplan, the goalkeeper has been brilliant. They’ve got me off my seat. Credit to Hull, they’ve been the better team,” says former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves on TNT Sports.
HT Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
13:18 , Jack Rathborn45+2 mins
Bruno Fernandes gets on the ball but there’s no room.
Hull are everywhere, the Tigers have outworked and outfought Carrick’s men.
The half-time whistle sounds, Hull in dreamland and Carrick jogs down the tunnel.
Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
13:17 , Richard Jolly at MKM StadiumThis is only the second time United have gone two goals down under Carrick. The other was against Leeds, and they lost 2-1
GOAL! Mendy converts as Hull double lead over Man Utd
13:09 , Jack Rathborn38 mins
What did I say? Danger incoming and that was frightening how United couldn’t cope with the delivery.
It’s whipped in with real pace and the glancing touch from Mendy gives Lammens no chance. Wow! 2-0.
Hull City 1-0 Manchester United
13:07 , Jack Rathborn38 mins
that was nearly spectacular from Mbeumo. The bicycle kick at the back post is blocked, but the connection was pure.
The corner is straight into the hands of Tzolakis. Tielemans then hauls down Belloumi. The crosses are relentless and now this is a free-kick in a similar area, just inside the touchline, 24 yards from goal. Danger incoming...
Hull City 1-0 Manchester United
13:05 , Jack Rathborn35 mins
Hull are more physical here, winning the duels by a count of 20-11.
Maguire now breaking the lines and Dorgu roaming into the central and right channels.
Crooks is impressing, he smashes Dorgu to break up a United move and Dorgu is booked for the follow up challenge.
Hull City 1-0 Manchester United
13:02 , Jack Rathborn32 mins
Marcus Rashford is already warming up.
Tielemans’ touch has been poor, too, this has been a nervy start from United.
Santos with a one-two inside the box and the Brazilian gets it back from his compatriot Cunha before a tough tackle denies him a sight at goal.
Hull City 1-0 Manchester United
13:00 , Richard Jolly at MKM StadiumHull have a back five which, when United have no real centre-forward, felt a bit excessive earlier. But now this is a scenario that suits them, with plenty of defenders and when United have to get players into the box.
Hull City 1-0 Manchester United
12:59 , Jack Rathborn27 mins
It’s settled down a bit from a United point of view.
Some neat work down their right, with Mazraoui and Cunha combining. Mbeumo is also out there and a dangerous cross almost finds Dorgu at the back post.
Coyle needs to be careful with those late runs from Dorgu.
Hull City 1-0 Manchester United
12:54 , Jack Rathborn23 mins
Chaos from a United point of view, they cannot deal with McBurnie.
And another dangerous move sees Belloumi balloon a shot over with time and space on the edge of the area.
Carrick needs to get his side alert or this game could get away from them quickly.
Hull City 1-0 Manchester United
12:50 , Richard Jolly at MKM StadiumA terrific start for Hull. Oli McBurnie has had limited success in his previous stints in the Premier League but has been a real threat so far. Lammens has made two terrific saves from him, but the second allowed Semi Ayaji to finish there. It was notable that, at the corner, Hull dragged everyone from United to the near post to give McBurnie room at the far.
GOAL! Ajayi thumps Hull ahead against Man Utd
12:48 , Jack Rathborn17 mins
Ajayi picks up the pieces and United are behind, a shambles from Carrick’s men. Hull won’t care, the corner was chaotic, then McBurnie thought he’d scored, but a great save from Lammens falls to Ajayi... but the follow-up is easily converted. What a start!
SAVE! Lammens denies McBurnie header
12:46 , Jack Rathborn15 mins
Oooh! Lammens down well, good save!
McBurnie with a thumping header, another threat from wide, this time off the left, as Giles curled one in.
McBurnie should do better, too. This one is open and both sides getting early looks at goal.
Mbeumo spurns glorious Man Utd chance
12:45 , Jack Rathborn14 mins
That was nervy from Hull, Giles hesitated and Mbeumo was in.
He wasn’t on his toes though and he reaches for the volley, a good connection but straight at Tzolakis. A warning for the Tigers.
Then Cunha with a spin and shot, but the connection isn’t clean. Easy for Tzolakis.
Hull City 0-0 Manchester United
12:43 , Jack Rathborn11 mins
Lovely reverse ball, looped up and over, from Fernandes.
Dorgu went beyond, that’s a bit of intent from United, mixing thing up now.
They escaped a nervy moment when Maguire made a clumsy challenge on the half-way line, with McBurnie hesitating and nobody tracking him as the ball carried into United’s half.
Hull City 0-0 Manchester United
12:38 , Richard Jolly at MKM Stadium8 mins
Marcus Rashford has got the No 9 shirt this season for United. On the pitch, though, there is no real No 9 at times, with Cunha and Bruno Fernandes dropping off and the wingers sometimes the most advanced players on the pitch
Hull City 0-0 Manchester United
12:35 , Jack Rathborn5 mins
Great defending from Mazraoui at the back post, heading past the incoming McBurnie.
Shaw looks vulnerable already, he couldn’t stop the cross coming in from Coyle. Good tempo from the Tigers!
Hull City 0-0 Manchester United
12:32 , Jack Rathborn2 mins
United on the front foot immediately, Dorgu sent down the left.
But Ajayi is across nicely to clear the danger. The pitch is still clouded in smoke.
It’s dark and gloomy in Hull, so much so that the floodlights are on, in August, at 12:30pm. Remarkable.
Hull City vs Manchester United
12:29 , Richard Jolly at MKM StadiumThis is Hull's fourth spell in the Premier League. It may be a good omen of sorts that they have only got straight back down once as a promoted club. They tend to be the favourites for 20th place for many - though quite a few tipped them to come 20th, or worse, in the Championship last season, and see how that ended up.
Hull's mascots, two tigers, been joined by a man dressed as a brick with a safety helmet on. Not immediately sure why.
Hull City vs Manchester United
12:28 , Jack RathbornThe teams are out and every Hull fan appears to be waving their orange flags.
A hot atmosphere here with the Tigers eager to spring an early upset.
There are high expectations on United here, it should be a fascinating clash.
Carrick delighted to have Rashford back
12:23 , Jack Rathborn"We're delighted to have Marcus back, he's looked fit and sharp, in a really good place, for sure we're delighted to have him,” Carrick tells TNT Sports before explaining Amad’s absence.
“He's picked up a niggle, we're assessing that, we'll see how it is.
“We have the squad to make the most of it and hopefully we can get him back soon, it's a shame.”
Michael Carrick excited by two debuts for Man Utd
12:18 , Jack Rathborn“Andrey came in for a lot of pre-season, he’s had a lot of games and minutes, top quality,”
“Andrey a bit deeper, Youri a bit higher, two fantastic personalities.
“They make the deep better, individuals, they can thrive.”
Hull City owner details mindset for transfer market
12:15 , Jack Rathborn“In football it's the same, when you want a player, good player, he's doubtful, the player wants to come to you to the Premier League, but our eyes are on the higher levels,” Hull City owner Acun Ilıcalı tells TNT Sports.
“Two months, five months for specific players to convince them, it's not easy, it's expensive, I would say the biggest game in the world is this transfer puzzle to try and compete.
“I enjoy it, but only when I get what I want, if not, I'm depressed, if I have the target I do everything to get it. There are limits. They don't let us do it, you have a certain budget.”
Hull City owner underlines key to club's success
12:09 , Jack Rathborn“We call it the dream, we worked a lot,” Hull City owner Acun Ilıcalı tells TNT Sports.
“We didn’t think no chance, we always had the chance of promotion, maybe not this year, after the transfer ban, we worked a lot, and achieved something memorable for some years.
“I never seen a team in our position promoted, we know how tough the division is. If you’re a family, nobody can beat you easily.
“In six months, we grew stronger. I’m living the dream. The best thing is to share with your loved ones.”
Manchester United warm up before Premier League opener
12:04 , Jack Rathborn
Karen Carney tips Baleba to fill Man Utd need
11:55 , Jack Rathborn“This is what they’ve been lacking,” Carney tells TNT Sports. “He’ll slow things down or kick things onwards, could he fill in at left-back?
“Man Utd need cover and protection, this is what he’s all about, breaking up play and give it to another midfielder.
“He’s got to get fit and confident, under Michael Carrick, he can get back to his best.”
Man Utd target new left-back with Rashford back in Carrick thinking
11:54 , Jack RathbornMan United could target new left-back before deadline and Rashford set to be reintegrated
“Left-back is being looked at, that’s why they enquired about Myles Lewis-Skelly, the price quoted was too high,” The Athletic’s David Ornstein tells TNT Sports.
“If a reasonable deal becomes available, they’ll do it, but I think they won’t have many more big names.
“If it’s England, it’s Man Utd, a Barcelona, Bayern, PSG... He’d have looked at that, the No 9 shirt is a show of faith.”
Owen Hargreaves bullish on Man Utd's business this summer
11:48 , Jack Rathborn“It's very good, a 7/10, I think they could do with another body as a striker. I think the potential is there, they're building something special. In terms of discipline in the market, the squad depth now, every position, there are good players available.
“Five good centre-backs for two positions. There’s depth everywhere. Maybe Sesko will be great, but you could do with one, an Osimhen type, but other than that, good.”
Jakirovic 'buzzing' for Man United test in Premier League opener
11:47 , Jack Rathborn“I’m buzzing, I like this word. My job is to prepare the team, and I am aware this is a big step between Championship and Premier League, but this is still football and we will try to make it a difficult game for Man United. They are favourites and I cannot wait, because I want to compete with other managers. Most of the time, we will be the underdog, but we are used to it and ready for the fight and try to use our opportunities on the pitch.”
Maguire makes Hull return with Man Utd
11:42 , Richard Jolly at at MKM StadiumSome of us have made it to East Yorkshire, though not Mason Mount and Amad Diallo, apparently. But Marcus Rashford has, and could make his first competitive for Manchester United since December 2024. It is a return to Hull for Harry Maguire; though United may argue they have been to Hull and back in the last couple of years.
Bruno Fernandes set for rotation in 2026/27?
11:36 , Jack RathbornIn what could be bad news for FPL players, Michael Carrick is hinting at more rotation for Bruno Fernandes, which could keep the Portuguese fresh for a title tilt.
“I’ve said quite a lot about Bruno, he’s been a big part of the team and the club over recent times and had a huge impact, so he’ll continue to do that,” Carrick said when discussing Fernandes’ workload.
“In terms of the games and how it comes, hopefully he stays fit and he’s in good shape. But yeah, there’s the element talking about the squad and the depth, and as we go through the season and the waves and the momentum and keeping the boys in good form, but keeping them fresh as well.
“So Bruno’s part of that. He’s a big player for us, he’s obviously our captain, but there’s still elements where we need to look after him.”
Man Utd flex strength in depth?
11:29 , Jack RathbornMichael Carrick suddenly has some strength in depth, it would appear.
That bench has the talented Yoro, still to show his best in red, plus Lisandro Martinez, who will surely return to the starting line-up at some point.
Mainoo is an option in midfield, plus Rashford, Zirkzee and Sesko will be options if United need to push for goals.
Carrick will also have the likes of Amad, Mason Mount, Carlos Baleba and Matthijs De Ligt to come back in too.
11:25 , Jack Rathborn Hull XI: Tzolakis; Coyle, Egan, Ajayi, Mendy, Giles; Slater, Crooks; Belloumi, Stroud; McBurnie
Subs: Phillips, Millar, Hjerto-Dahl, McNair, Drameh, Herrington, Targett, Dowell, Gourna
Man Utd XI: Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Tielemans, Andrey Santos; Dorgu, B. Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
Subs: Darlow, Dalot, Martinez, Yoro, Mainoo, Lacey, Rashford, Sesko, Zirkzee
Hull City vs Manchester United
11:24 , Jack RathbornHull XI: Tzolakis; Coyle, Egan, Ajayi, Mendy, Giles; Slater, Crooks; Belloumi, Stroud; McBurnie
Subs: Phillips, Millar, Hjerto-Dahl, McNair, Drameh, Herrington, Targett, Dowell, Gourna
Man Utd XI: Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Tielemans, Andrey Santos; Dorgu, B. Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
Carrick hands out two Man Utd debuts
11:20 , Richard Jolly at at MKM StadiumIt looks like debuts in midfield for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. And Matheus Cunha appears set to lead the line.
Carragher doubts Man Utd resurgence
11:11 , Jack Rathborn“People are getting carried away with Man Utd, their back four is the same back four they had five years ago,” Carragher said on Sky Sports.
“Right now, I think Liverpool’s best XI is better than Man Utd’s best XI, I’m not lying.”
Michael Carrick on the importance of midfielders to his Man Utd gameplan
11:00 , Jack Rathborn“I think it's important. You could argue both ends of the pitch are if not more important, but the midfield connects the whole team together and has a big say on how the team performs with, without the ball, and the character and the personality of the team. So I think it's all components. Like you've said, you've almost given the answer anyway when you asked, but both ends of the pitch is where games are won and lost, so that's huge as well, obviously.”
Tielemans set for full Man Utd debut
10:51 , Jack RathbornTeam news will be coming up in the next 30 minutes or so.
We can expect a full debut for Youri Tielemans, but will Andrey Santos also be involved from the start?
United are pretty settled under Michael Carrick and will give the back four another opportunity to prove their worth with Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, who enjoyed a fine World Cup with Argentina, and the injury-prone Luke Shaw.
Kobbie Mainoo has a big chance to flourish alongside Tielemans too, after growing frustrated at his lack of minute for England at the World Cup.
While Bruno Fernandes will hope to resume his status as the assist king, with the live Mateus Cunha, Amad and Bryan Mbeumo bringing plenty of firepower, though Benjamin Sesko is an alternative at centre-forward.
Atmosphere building ahead of Hull v Man Utd
10:29 , Jack Rathborn
Jakirovic on integrating new Hull signings
10:22 , Jack Rathborn“We used the last two friendlies to get them some minutes. My job is to find a good balance with the players from last year in the Championship and the new arrivals so far, so good. We’ve had good training sessions and individual analysis after sessions to show principals of what we need to do in some positions so a lot of work, but they are intelligent.”
Michael Carrick on signing a third centre midfielder for Man United
10:13 , Jack Rathborn“As I said before, we're trying to improve the squad all the time, you know. We're working towards that. I think largely we've got a really good balance within the group. As it stands now, we've got some very good, top midfielders to choose from. So I think we've improved that. As I said, since the start of the window to the end, we'll see what happens, you know. As I said, we want to finish stronger as the window closes, so we're working towards that.”
Alan Shearer bullish on Man Utd under Carrick with a full season
10:01 , Jack Rathborn"I think it's going to be a different season for Man United, Michael Carrick has done a very good job,” Alan Shearer tells Betfair. “He deserves the chance to go again.
“I know the Baleba transfer is still ongoing, but Man United will have too much for Hull."
Shearer has tipped United to finish fourth this term:
1 Arsenal. 2 Chelsea. 3 Man City. 4 Man United. 5 Liverpool. 6 Spurs. 7 Aston Villa.
How Michael Carrick rebuilt Manchester United’s midfield
09:53 , Richard Jolly at MKM StadiumIt might be a recruitment drive with a difference for Michael Carrick. Perhaps Manchester United’s priority in the summer transfer market was to find the new Casemiro. In one respect, though, it was to get the next Michael Carrick. Twenty years after his arrival from Tottenham, the current manager may be the last central midfielder United have bought to prove a sustained success.
There are others who have prospered for a year or two – Casemiro, who had two fine seasons out of four at Old Trafford, is a case in point; Carrick’s teammates Anderson and Owen Hargreaves were, too, along with Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, and maybe even Fred and Marouane Fellaini. There are others, like Manuel Ugarte, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sofyan Amrabat, who were almost exclusively ineffectual.
How Michael Carrick rebuilt Manchester United’s midfield
Why Carlos Baleba could be the missing piece in Manchester United’s new midfield
09:45 , Jack RathbornThere is inherent risk with any major transfer, and perhaps the biggest gamble Manchester United are taking, should they sign Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, is that they don’t yet quite know who he is or what he might become.
Is he the brilliant teenager who commanded Premier League midfields when he first arrived at Brighton, or the 22-year-old of last season who let that form slip away? Is he a defensive midfielder who stitches play together, or a box-to-box all-action superhero? Is he a destroyer of oppositions’ plans, or something altogether more refined?
Baleba grew up in Cameroon where his footballer father put him on a gruelling training programme aged 10, and he was signed by Lille on his 18th birthday. His performances in France pinged radars at Jamestown Analytics, the secretive company informing Brighton’s recruitment, and Baleba moved to the Premier League in a £23m transfer.
Why Carlos Baleba could be the missing piece in Manchester United’s new midfield
Hull City vs Manchester United predicted line-ups
09:38 , Jack RathbornHull City: Tzolakis; Coyle, Ajayi, Mendy, Targett; Slater, Crooks; Belloumi, Morita, Stroud; McBurnie.
Man Utd: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Tielemans; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
Hull City vs Manchester United team news
09:30 , Jack RathbornHull City have plenty of injuries to navigate with key players missing. Goalkeeper Jack Butland is out and so to are defenders John Egan, Cody Drameh, Charlie Hughes, and Jens Hjertø-Dahl. In midfield Darko Gyabi, Paddy McNair, Matty Jacob, and Oscar Zambrano are absent while forwards Liam Millar and Enis Destan are unlikely to feature.
Michael Carrick, meanwhile, has a fair amount of squad players to select from. Benjamin Sesko is back in training despite not taking part in pre-season though he could make an appearance off the bench. Matthijs de Ligt has also trained but his recovery will be managed and he is not expected to return until October. Mason Mount meanwhile has a foot issue, sustained in the draw with PSG and will not play. Manuel Ugarte is a long-term absentee due to an ACL injury picked up in the World Cup.
The three key positions Man United need to upgrade to win Premier League
09:18 , Jack RathbornManchester United kick off their Premier League campaign away to Hull City this weekend, and there is plenty of optimism around Old Trafford as the new season begins.
The arrival of Michael Carrick brought a positive end to last season, with United impressing at times as they finished third in the Premier League and secured a place in the Champions League.
Many will be now expecting Carrick to build on last season’s success. While the club is aiming to return to regular Champions League football, the longer-term goal is to build a team that is capable of fighting for the Premier League.
The three key positions Man United need to upgrade to win Premier League
Hull City vs Manchester United
09:08 , Jack RathbornGood morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Hull City vs Manchester United.
The Premier League is back after Arsenal’s routine win over Coventry last night, with Mikel Arteta’s side setting the standard, with expectations high after Indy Sport’s 2026/27 predictions.
Now it’s time for Man United to kick things off, with Michael Carrick’s side in a position to potentially mount a first title charge in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at Old Trafford.
The Tigers will relish a home game since returning to the Premier League, despite their xG putting them 23rd in the Championship table last term, pointing to a ruthless streak under Sergej Jakirovic.
We’ll have all the latest build-up and transfer updates concerning both clubs ahead of kick-off.
