United were brought back down to earth following a 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Hull
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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes lamented his side making the “same mistakes as we did last season in every away game” following their shock 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull to begin the new Premier League campaign.
There was plenty of optimism around United before kick off after Michael Carrick led them to third place in the Premier League last season but they were brought back to earth as first-half goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy gave Hull a deserved win on their return to the top-flight.
Fernandes said United need to be ‘more aggressive’ against Hull
Fernandes said United need to be ‘more aggressive’ against Hull (Getty)
"Same mistakes as we did last season, every away game we give too much of the ball to them,” Fernandes told TNT Sports. "In the first 20 minutes, the goalkeeper was the one with the most touches. We needed to press more, be more aggressive, and then again we need to work on set-plays and not concede these type of goals. Against these types of teams, they are waiting for that moment.”
Fernandes said United knew Hull would be a threat from set-pieces and would be motivated on their Premier League return. “We know in the Premier League these type of grounds are very difficult to play in,” he added. “You need to match everything in intensity, aggression and everything. We had that apart from two set pieces. That cost us the game.”
Former midfielder Carrick, handed a two-year contract after his impressive spell as interim boss last season, said the defeat was disappointing but also called for calm.
“It is hugely disappointing, of course it is, we came here to win so to not take anything away is hugely disappointing,” he said. “It’s not more than that, not less. We have to soak it up and come back stronger. It doesn’t mean you are passive if you get beat, the result is the result. We accept it, it is not a nice feeling but it is not going to change our direction as a team or a club. It can happen, we can be better.
“I played here for a long time, you don’t do that without the ups and downs but you have to carry on as normal. We just don’t all have to shout and scream and create some chaos. Calmness doesn’t mean there is not emotion. We have lost one game and it is not a nice one.”
Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, questioned why United were making the same mistakes in away fixtures.
“It’s a strange quote from Bruno,” Rooney said on Match of the Day. “I think for Manchester United now to build on what they did last season, since Michael went in they finished third in the Premier League and got Champions League football, to build on that you have to become a team who teams are scared of playing against.”