Man Utd Player Ratings vs. Hull: Red Devils Humiliated in Opening Match

Manchester United were stunned in their opening fixture of the new Premier League season as they suffered a disastrous 2–0 defeat away at Hull City.

An adrenaline-fueled start from the newly promoted hosts flipped the script at MKM Stadium, with Semi Ajayi’s 17th-minute opener—nine years and three months on from Hull’s last Premier League goal—entirely deserved. Things went from bad to worse for the Red Devils before the break, too, as a close-range header from debutant Nobel Mendy widened their deficit.

Marcus Rashford was summoned at halftime as Michael Carrick sought a comeback, but United’s new No.9 was unable to provide a moment of inspiration. Others in white jerseys offered little more, with Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis seldom called into action as the sand slipped through the hourglass.

Ultimately, United came up short in humiliating fashion, suffering a bruising defeat in their opener which serves as a reality check after last season’s resurgence.

One Thing We Can’t Ignore

Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw — The Red Devils couldn’t deal with Hull’s deliveries into the area. | Molly Darlington/Getty Images

Alarm bells blared as United shipped four to Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan in their final preseason friendly. But surely improvements would be noticeable for a first meaningful fixture of the campaign, right? Well, not so much.

A five-minute first-half blitz epitomized their defensive struggles. A flurry of teasing deliveries into the penalty area forced Senne Lammens into several reaction saves, eventually culminating in Ajayi firing home after Oli McBurnie’s initial strike was rebuffed. Crosses proved United’s kryptonite—as they had done against Milan—and Hull showed no mercy.

The towering frames of Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven were unable to repel some admittedly pinpoint crosses, and a growing issue re-emerged shortly before the break. A free kick whipped toward the six-yard box was redirected beyond Lammens by Mendy, as Hull once again exploited a lack of structure in the United penalty area.

This summer’s transfer business has been centered around midfield reinforcements, but United’s lack of investment in a fairly unspectacular defense has to be questioned. Hull will not be the only team to punish them if Carrick can’t fix the problems.

Man Utd Player Ratings vs. Hull (4-2-3-1)

Youri Tielemans struggled on his competitive debut. | Molly Darlington/Getty Images.

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

GK: Senne Lammens—6.3: The Belgian did his best to spare United’s blushes, making some smart saves in vain during the first half. A spectator after halftime.

RB: Noussair Mazraoui—6.9: The fact Mazraoui saw so much of the ball will concern Carrick. The right back finished up with 94 touches, yet made zero impact.

CB: Harry Maguire—7.4: While usually a magnet to crosses, Maguire consistently struggled to deal with Hull’s most dangerous weapon. Underwhelmed on his return to his former employers.

CB: Ayden Heaven—5.8: Bested by McBurnie in the build-up to Hull’s opener—just one of several uneasy moments for the young defender up against the wily Scotland international.

LB: Luke Shaw—6.8: Sharper once Rashford entered the fray, providing greater offensive support despite a lack of end product.

CM: Youri Tielemans—6.4: Unable to match some glistening preseason displays on his official debut as the hosts smothered United in central areas.

CM: Andrey Santos—6.9: Combative, as expected, but the Brazilian did little in possession which merited his $64 million transfer fee.

RW: Bryan Mbeumo—6.7: Hustled admirably without ever causing any real issues for Hull. A source of frustration for the most part.

AM: Bruno Fernandes—7.5: Offered little time and space to conjure his trademark magic. A fair few notches below his usually impeccable standards.

LW: Patrick Dorgu—5.7: Looked every bit a left back here. Utterly ineffective in the final third, snatching at a couple of presentable chances and regularly running down blind alleys. Hooked at halftime.

ST: Matheus Cunha—6.5: The absence of a focal point was worryingly obvious while Cunha was leading the line as a false nine, with few improvements shown during brief forays on the wing.

SUB: Marcus Rashford (46’ for Dorgu)—6.8: Appeared set to inject some much-needed energy into the match, but waned as the minutes ticked away.

SUB: Benjamin Šeško (67’ for Tielemans)—5.6: Completely anonymous on arrival, somewhat expectedly given his absence during preseason.

SUB: Kobbie Mainoo (67’ for Santos)—6.4: Another substitute quite clearly lacking match sharpness.

SUB: Shea Lacey (80’ for Cunha)—6.1

SUB: Diogo Dalot (80’ for Mazraoui)—6.5

Subs not used: Karl Darlow (GK), Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martínez, Joshua Zirkzee.

What the Ratings Tell Us

Patrick Dorgu was dreadful at the MKM Stadium. | Molly Darlington/Getty Images

A dismal first-half performance from Patrick Dorgu cost him his place on the field. The redeployed full back missed one big chance, fired all three of his shots off target, failed to complete a single dribble and was booked before being replaced by Rashford—who now has a very strong chance of starting next weekend’s match against Ipswich Town.
Dorgu was not the only forward to produce a sub-par opening performance of the season. Bruno Fernandes was miles below his best, Bryan Mbeumo was toothless and Matheus Cunha looked lost no matter which area of the field he operated within. Hull’s defense deserves credit, but United made it pretty simple for them.
A chastening day for the visiting defense was particularly brutal for 19-year-old Ayden Heaven. The center back lost concentration on the first Hull goal and rarely exuded confidence up against some direct and physical forwards. Perhaps Carrick will have to rush Lisandro Martínez back into the XI.

The Numbers That Explain Man Utd’s Dreadful Day

Territory was no issue for United, who boasted 72% possession come the final whistle. However, Hull’s deep-lying defense nullified them impressively throughout, restricting them to just five shots on target.
Carrick will be worried by his side’s display across the field, but particularly in defense. Both goals were conceded at set pieces as Hull created three big chances—one more than United managed.

Statistic	Hull	Man Utd
Possession	28%	72%
Expected Goals (xG)	1.26	1.81
Total Shots	8	21
Shots on Target	4	5
Big Chances	3	2
Pass Accuracy	70%	88%
Fouls Committed	10	9
Corners	1	6

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