Manchester United endured a poor start to the new Premier League campaign, but one of their major issues appears to have been foreshadowed by Youri Tielemans
Youri Tielemans speaking in an interview
A pre-season revelation from Youri Tielemans left many Manchester United fans concerned(Image: YouTube/RioFerdinandPresents)
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Before the start of the season, Youri Tielemans revealed Manchester United did little running in pre-season - and it's possible this came back to bite Michael Carrick's side.
The Reds were left shell-shocked after losing 2-0 to relegation favourites Hull City. The newly-promoted side simply outmuscled and outfought United at the MKM Stadium with both goals coming from crosses into the box.
The Tigers won 58.8% of the duels in the clash and dominated the Reds in the air by taking 57.9% of the aerial battles. They also recorded six interceptions compared to United's two, making it clear Sergej Jakirovic's side were sharper and faster than United.
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Looking at these stats, it's easy to think about Tielemans' honest admission when he spoke with Rio Ferdinand in the pre-season. Shortly after his move from Aston Villa was secured, Ferdinand quizzed the Belgian about his early experiences under Michael Carrick.
The ex-United central defender was left shocked when Tielemans said he and his team-mates had mainly focussed on ball-work rather than fitness across the summer. The midfielder then said: "When you come back from the World Cup, you don't do loads of running. Just chill."
Ferdinand was wide-eyed in shock when the ex-Leicester City midfielder made that revelation. He may have had the same expression on his face when the Tigers ran out 2-0 winners.
Youri Tielemans of Manchester United in action during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Hull, England
Tielemans struggled against the Tigers(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
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Tielemans and Andrey Santos, a £50million signing from Chelsea, were partnered together in the midfield against Hull. They were both hooked in the second half for Kobbie Mainoo and Benjamin Sesko when United were chasing a goal.
Tielemans failed to win any of his tackles in the middle of the pitch while Santos only managed to win one. He was also dribbled past twice in the middle of the park which may also worry Carrick.
They were simply second best in all areas against the Tigers, who seemed to run past them at will on the counterattack. Carrick did his best to maintain a calm demeanour in his post-match interview, but the lack of legs and energy in the middle of the park would surely concern him.
Youri Tielemans of Manchester United walks off after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Hull, England.
Tielemans and his team-mates will have to show a lot more(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
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After the match, he said: "Some of it was OK, there's bits to improve on. It was never going to be perfect, but going behind and giving ourselves a lot to do makes it more difficult.
"It was a typical one of those games, with a newly-promoted team at home. You can't give them much, they've got a lot to hold on to.
"After that, we had moments and opportunities but we didn't have the spark to put the chances away or create any more. We're bitterly disappointed with the result, but we won't let it knock us."