Alan Shearer slams Man United’s ‘dreadful’ opening‑day display as Carrick’s side lose 2‑0 to Hull City on Saturday

Alan Shearer hit out at Man United after their 'dreadful' opening‑day defeat at Hull City, where the newly promoted side secured a 2‑0 win with goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy, and the former legend warned on BBC’s Match Day that Michael Carrick’s side ‘didn’t look fit’.

The story was filed by OLLIE LEWIS, DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR. It was published on 23 August 2026.

First half: United under pressure

The opening day of the Premier League saw Michael Carrick take charge of Manchester United in his first permanent match as head coach. United entered the fixture already under scrutiny after a poor pre‑season, and Alan Shearer later described the side as lacking fitness. The appointment followed his interim spell that impressed after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils wilted at the newly promoted Hull City on Saturday, struggling to impose themselves in the first half. Their inability to create chances left them vulnerable to the visitors’ pressure. Shearer noted a lack of energy, saying the team ‘just didn’t look fit’.

Second half: Hull seal victory

The breakthrough came when Semi Ajayi found the net, giving Hull City a lead early in the second half. The goal shifted momentum firmly in favour of the hosts.

Nobel Mendy doubled the advantage shortly afterwards, sealing a 2‑0 lead for the newcomers. United failed to respond, with their attack remaining ineffective throughout the remainder of the period.

The final whistle confirmed Hull City’s 2‑0 victory over Manchester United on Saturday. The loss marked United’s opening game of the season and sparked alarm among supporters and pundits. Critics highlighted the team's woeful display across all positions.

Speaking on the BBC’s flagship football show Match Day, Alan Shearer said, “Man United were dreadful in all positions I thought, particularly upfront, they offered nothing.” He added, “At times I struggled to work out what they were trying to do,” and warned there was “so much to work on, so much to improve.” Shearer concluded that the side “didn’t look fit” and needed a major overhaul.

Michael Carrick responded by refusing to hit the panic button, stating, “We haven’t lost many games in six, seven months.” He acknowledged the defeat but warned that “just because we lose one game it doesn’t mean that everything needs to be dissected.” Carrick also said, “There’s definitely issues playing against different systems,” and that the team must find answers.