United's Carrick gets early reality check at Hull

HULL, England, Aug 22 : Manchester United arrived in Hull on Saturday riding a wave of optimism that had not washed over Old Trafford for years. They departed the east coast after a shock Premier League defeat that left manager Michael Carrick with uncomfortable questions to answer.

The 2-0 defeat by promoted Hull City was only one game, but it felt like a sudden cold shower after eight months of sunshine. 

Since replacing Ruben Amorim in January, Carrick had overseen a revival, dragging a confidence-starved team from mid-table obscurity to a third-place finish. United collected 39 points from 17 league games under their new manager, more than any other side in that span.

Carrick brought clarity, confidence and attacking intent, while signings including Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos - with Brighton's Carlos Baleba on the way - strengthened the feeling that United might finally be ready to rejoin the league's elite after 13 years without a title.

Hull shredded those dreams for an afternoon.

"Obviously, bits to improve on," Carrick told TNT Sports. "It was never going to be perfect today, but going behind and giving ourselves a lot to do makes it more difficult. 

"Probably a typical one of those games with a newly promoted team at home. We can't give them much, they've got a lot to hold on to, and then after (their two goals), we had moments, we had opportunities. 

"We just didn't have that spark to then put the chances away or create any more. So yeah, listen, we're bitterly disappointed with the result today, but it won't it won't knock us."

ORANGE SMOKE

Plumes of orange smoke exploded above the MKM Stadium before kickoff and black-and-orange scarves twirled in celebration of the Tigers' return to the top flight after nine