Man Utd 'didn't look ready' - but hurting Carrick remains calm
Manchester United suffered a disappointing defeat against Hull City, leading to criticism regarding the team's fitness and readiness for the new season. Former players and pundits expressed concern over the squad's performance and lack of intensity during the match.
Why it matters
High-profile football losses often trigger significant media scrutiny and fan unrest, impacting club management and player morale.
Manchester United's fans had endured a bad enough day on the banks of the River Humber when Hull City's stadium announcer gleefully piped up midway through the second half.
He had "an important announcement" for them.
Two trains back to Manchester from the city centre station had been cancelled.
The roar from the home fans matched that for their side's two first-half goals that sealed a first ever top-flight win over United - and first in league meetings since a Second Division encounter in 1974.
"You should have come in a taxi," they sang.
Football supporters can be a cruel breed.
As they were kicking their heels waiting for a train to take them back over the Pennines, the portion of the 2,400-strong visiting contingent that had chosen that mode of transport would have struggled to find any redeeming features.
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