Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur’s new-season optimism was punctured in emphatic fashion as both clubs suffered shock defeats in their Premier League openers on Saturday.United, under permanent manager Michael Carrick and with a revamped midfield, were beaten 0-2 by promoted Hull City, while Tottenham’s expensive new-look squad was completely outplayed in a 0-3 defeat at Brentford.For two clubs carrying significant expectations into the new campaign, the opening-day setbacks served as an early reminder that rebuilding ambitions do not necessarily translate into immediate results.
Man United stumble at Hull
Hull marked their return to the top flight after a nine-year absence with a memorable victory, while United were left to reflect on a performance that raised more questions than answers.First-half goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy, both coming from set pieces, condemned United to a disappointing defeat against a side widely expected to be involved in the relegation battle.Carrick, rewarded with a permanent contract after guiding United to third place last season and Champions League qualification, acknowledged that his side still have work to do.“It was never going to be perfect,” Carrick said.United had strengthened their midfield during the summer with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, while Brighton’s Carlos Baleba could reportedly be another target. Marcus Rashford also returned from his loan spell at Barcelona and came on as a halftime substitute against Hull.However, neither Rashford nor the new midfield additions could inspire a response as United struggled to create momentum.The result underlined the scale of the task facing Carrick at a club that have not won the Premier League since 2013 under Alex Ferguson.“One game doesn’t change the direction of everything,” Carrick said. “It doesn’t change the direction of the football club.”
Tottenham humbled, while other promoted clubs shine
Tottenham’s defeat was arguably even more striking given their summer spending. Spurs have invested around $300 million in new players, with Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali arriving from Newcastle for a club-record $133 million.Yet Brentford’s settled side exposed Tottenham’s lack of cohesion, racing into a 2-0 lead by the 33rd minute through Keane Lewis-Potter and Vitaly Janelt. Michael Kayode added a third shortly after halftime, while Igor Thiago struck the post with a penalty as Brentford threatened an even heavier defeat.Elsewhere, Everton began with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, watched by new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a season-ticket holder at the club. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry scored for Everton.Ipswich also enjoyed a winning return to the Premier League, beating Sunderland 2-1 thanks to Jack Clarke’s 90th-minute goal. Leeds United claimed another late victory, with Anton Stach’s 88th-minute free kick securing a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.Arsenal had already made a winning start to their title defence, beating second-tier champions Coventry 3-0 on Friday.On Sunday, Manchester City will look to recover from their Community Shield defeat to Arsenal when they visit Bournemouth, while Liverpool travel to Newcastle.
