Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick offered two big-picture takeaways after the shock opening-day Premier League defeat at newly promoted Hull. He stressed there were plenty of positives, even if they’ll be overshadowed by the result, and urged against pulling apart the entire project because of a single loss.
Pundits—and even his close friend Wayne Rooney on Match of the Day—argued United lacked intensity and needed a more energetic press to become a side opponents fear. Carrick disagreed, saying a defeat doesn’t automatically mean the team was passive and that upsets are part of football.
True to his reputation for composure, Carrick appeared calm after the 2-0 setback, though he admitted that wasn’t how he felt inside. With 20 years tied to United as player, coach, head coach and fan, he has seen similar moments: he was in the team that lost meekly at Burnley in August 2009, just three months after seven of that XI had faced Barcelona in the Champions League final at Wembley. Even then, United’s quality and Sir Alex Ferguson’s stature didn’t prevent external scrutiny—something Carrick knows will come now.
Defender Luke Shaw summed up the sentiment to Australian broadcaster Stan Sports: with no disrespect intended, United should be going to Hull and winning.