And just like that, any positivity surrounding Manchester United's new season has been extinguished.
The fixture schedule had served up what looked like an opening-day banker for the Red Devils as they travelled to newly-promoted Hull on Saturday, but Michael Carrick's side were outfought and, in truth, outplayed by the Premier League newcomers, slipping to what is frankly a humiliating 2-0 defeat at the MKM Stadium.
This was more evidence - as if it was needed - that Man Utd still need reinforcements in midfield in particular, despite the arrivals of both Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos earlier in the summer.
The new signings both endured debuts to forget as United were physically mauled by the newly-promoted Tigers, who were predictably bang up for the occasion on their return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence and won 50 duels to United's 36.
Saturday's meek performance reflects that that day can't come soon enough.
And just like that, any positivity surrounding Manchester United's new season has been extinguished.
The fixture schedule had served up what looked like an opening-day banker for the Red Devils as they travelled to newly-promoted Hull on Saturday, but Michael Carrick's side were outfought and, in truth, outplayed by the Premier League newcomers, slipping to what is frankly a humiliating 2-0 defeat at the MKM Stadium.
This was more evidence - as if it was needed - that Man Utd still need reinforcements in midfield in particular, despite the arrivals of both Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos earlier in the summer.
The new signings both endured debuts to forget as United were physically mauled by the newly-promoted Tigers, who were predictably bang up for the occasion on their return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence and won 50 duels to United's 36.
Man Utd have, at least, addressed their lack of midfield muscle by striking a £70 million ($95m) deal with Brighton for long-term target Carlos Baleba, but the defensive-minded Cameroon international won't be available for some time after injuring ankle ligaments in pre-season.
Saturday's meek performance reflects that that day can't come soon enough.
