Rooney slams United’s ‘schoolboy’ defending after Hull’s opening win

Wayne Rooney criticised Manchester United’s performance after their 2‑0 loss to Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, calling the side ‘too passive’ and singling out left‑back Luke Shaw for what he described as ‘schoolboy defending’ in the opening half of the Premier League campaign.

First‑half breakthrough

Michael Carrick’s side began their new Premier League campaign with a defeat at the MKM Stadium as first‑half goals from Semi Ajayni and Nobel Mendy sealed the win for Hull.

United also struggled to create chances in attack, finding it difficult to break down Hull’s early dominance.

Second‑half pressure and fallout

Rooney was unhappy with Shaw for the second goal, noting that the left‑back dropped off to play Hull’s entire attacking line onside.

“This is schoolboy defending from Luke Shaw,” Rooney said on BBC’s .

He added that United were ‘too passive’ and needed more intensity, comparing Hull’s system to the wing‑back setup he observed in an AC Milan game.

Rooney praised Hull’s gameplan, saying they got balls into the penalty box, collected second balls and left United “very difficult” to deal with.

He warned that United sat in a mid‑block, won only two balls in Hull’s final third and must show more energy in the press to avoid such passive displays.

Manchester United host Ipswich Town at Old Trafford next Sunday.