Michael Carrick Reacts After Manchester United Suffer Shock Defeat to Hull City: 'Inside We're Hurting'

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has called for composure following a stunning 2-0 opening-day loss to newly-promoted Hull City, insisting there is no need for panic after the disappointing start to the season.

Manchester United were undone by two first-half set-pieces on Saturday, marking Hull's first league victory over the Red Devils in nearly five decades.

Despite the "hurt" of the result, Michael Carrick stressed that rash decisions would not be made, especially with the transfer window closing soon.

"I'm talking to you quite calmly, but I'm not exactly calm inside and enjoying the day," Carrick stated in his post-match press conference. "There's a big difference."

"It just doesn't mean that we all have to shout and scream and create some chaos just because of it. Inside we're hurting, the boys know, and we need to get better. But the calmness doesn't mean that there's no emotion in it, for sure."

The visitors struggled to create clear opportunities throughout the match, managing only five shots on target as Hull celebrated a triumphant return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence.

Manchester United's lack of attacking sharpness was particularly concerning, with Hull able to protect their advantage after taking control of the game in the opening half.

Carrick acknowledged the disappointment but insisted the result should be viewed as a setback rather than a reason for the club to overreact.

"It's hugely disappointing, of course it is," Carrick admitted. "We came here to win like we do any game. So to not take anything away is hugely disappointing. It's one game that we're disappointed we haven't won. We've got to soak it up and come back stronger."

Hull's goals came from Semi Ajayi, who headed in from a corner, and Nobel Mendy, who capitalised on a free-kick delivered into the box.

The newly promoted side showed considerable discipline in their approach, particularly when attacking dead-ball situations.

Their ability to exploit United's weaknesses from set pieces ultimately proved decisive as they secured a memorable three points.

Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic revealed that his team's success from set-pieces was no accident, attributing it to a specific strategy developed in training. However, the Bosnian coach remained tight-lipped about the details.

The Hull boss explained that his players had worked on a particular routine shortly before the game and were confident it could expose weaknesses in the way United defended wide free-kicks.

"It's a secret," Jakirovic said. "We tried something on Friday. We had some plans there to try to punish them, how they stand at a wide free-kick."