Headline: Manchester United Faces Setback in Premier League Opener Against Newly Promoted Side
In a challenging start to the Premier League season, Manchester United fell to a disappointing defeat against a newly promoted team, with both goals scored from set pieces. Manager Michael Carrick addressed the team’s performance after the match, highlighting the moments when they seemed competitive but ultimately succumbing to two costly set plays.
“I thought we had moments and then two set plays caught us today,” Carrick said, reflecting on how the goals decided the outcome. “We’ve conceded two goals today from set plays. We’ll look at it and improve it for sure. We keep working and moving forward.”
Carrick emphasized the ongoing evolution of the team, stating that despite not earning points in this match, it would not affect their preparations for the upcoming week. He expressed a sense of optimism for the season ahead, urging the squad to find the answers to their issues on the pitch: “We didn’t quite click and find the right solutions today.”
When discussing forward Marcus Rashford, Carrick noted, “I thought he came on and looked dangerous in moments. We probably relied on him a bit too much. Marcus playing today will be better for it with a game in his system.”
Bruno Fernandes, speaking to TNT Sports, echoed Carrick’s sentiments regarding the challenges of playing at difficult away venues in the Premier League. “We know in the Premier League these types of away grounds are difficult to play against. You need to match their intensity and aggression. The two set pieces ended up costing us the game today.”
Addressing the frustration of fans, Fernandes acknowledged their expectations. “We understand the frustration. Every season, at the start, we want to compete and win every game, but we need the fans on our side and to believe in ourselves.”
In notable statistics, Manchester United have lost their opening league match in four of the last seven seasons, while this marks the first time in their league history they have lost their opening match to a newly promoted team. Additionally, Rashford made his return to the Premier League after a significant absence since December 2024, contributing to Manchester United’s effort in the competition.
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: “I thought we had moments and then two set plays caught us today.
“That decided the game in the end. We’ve conceded two goals today from set plays. We’ll look at it and improve it for sure. We keep working and moving forward.
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“It’s constant, it’s evolving all the time. Just because we haven’t got any points today, it won’t change what we do next week. We look forward and be excited with the season that is still ahead of us.
“We’ve got to find the answers, we didn’t quite click and find the right solutions today.
On Marcus Rashford: “I thought he came on and looked dangerous in moments. We probably relied on him a bit too much. Marcus playing today will be better for it with a game in his system.”
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, speaking to TNT Sports: “We know in the Premier League these types of away grounds are difficult to play against.
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“You need to match their intensity and aggression. The two set pieces ended up costing us the game today.”
On fan frustration: “We understand the frustration. Every season, at the start, we want to compete and win every game, but we need the fans on our side, and to believe in ourselves.”
Did you know?
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Manchester United have lost their opening Premier League game in four of the last seven seasons (W3), while it’s the first time in their league history they’ve lost on MD1 to a newly promoted side (P14 W10 D3 L1).
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Marcus Rashford made his first Premier League appearance since April 2025 for Aston Villa v Manchester City, appearing for Manchester United in the competition for the first time since December 2024 v Nottingham Forest.
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