Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes criticised his team-mates after repeated mistakes contributed to a 2-0 defeat by Hull City in their Premier League opener.
Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scored for the Tigers, who secured a famous victory over the Red Devils and began the campaign with three points.
Fernandes said United had repeated the same problems that affected them last season, particularly their inability to keep possession away from home. The Portugal midfielder was also frustrated by the team’s failure to apply enough pressure and their vulnerability from set plays.
“Same mistakes as we did last season, every away game we give too much of the ball to them.
“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 types of goals.
“Against these types of teams, they are waiting for that moment.
“We knew before the game set pieces would be a big part of their game. They played all pre-season with a back four but had a five against us for some height, for these moments.
“The most frustrating thing is that we lost the game.”
The result saw Hull City claim a notable win against Manchester United after taking advantage of the visitors’ mistakes and scoring twice.
Fernandes said United had been aware before kick-off that set pieces would be an important part of Hull City’s approach. He also noted that the Tigers had used a back four throughout pre-season but switched to a five-man defence against United to provide greater height in situations such as dead-ball deliveries.
The Manchester United captain focused on the way his side surrendered possession during the opening stages, saying the goalkeeper had more touches than any other player in the first 20 minutes. That lack of control, he suggested, gave Hull City opportunities to remain in the game and wait for chances to emerge.
His comments placed responsibility on the players to correct the issues that had already troubled the team last season. Fernandes called for greater aggression when pressing, while also highlighting the need for improved defending at set plays.
Despite identifying several shortcomings in United’s performance, Fernandes said the result itself was the most difficult part of the afternoon.
“The most frustrating thing is that we lost the game.”
Hull City’s goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy were enough to settle the contest, giving the Tigers a 2-0 victory in their Premier League opener and leaving Manchester United to reflect on a disappointing start.
