Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick urged calm after his side's disappointing opening-day defeat to Hull City, insisting the loss is just "one game" and won't derail the team's long-term trajectory.
Despite high hopes at the start of the season following a strong previous campaign, United were undone by two first-half goals from newly promoted Hull. The defeat immediately put the Red Devils under scrutiny, a familiar position for the Old Trafford club.
"It's one game. It's the first game of the season so it's disappointing enough and it hurts, of course it does," Carrick told the club's official website. "But it's one game, it doesn't change the whole course of the direction the team or the football club is going in. We'll stay calm, stay in the bubble and focus on next week."
Beyond the hesitant defending that led to the goals, United's most concerning issue was a complete lack of attacking threat. Even when desperately chasing the game, the team struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities.
When questioned about the attacking malaise, Carrick acknowledged the issue but remained optimistic. "We had moments, we had opportunities, we just didn't have that spark to then put the chances away or create any more. Listen, we're bitterly disappointed with the result today but it won't knock us."
With most Premier League teams yet to play their first fixture, Manchester United finds itself under the microscope early, a testament to the intense pressure that comes with managing such a high-profile club.
