It’s getting real. Hull City’s first Premier League match in nine-and-a-half years against the most successful club in English football, Manchester United.
Although United are clearly not the force they once were when the Tigers first reached the Premier League, it is still a mouth-watering prospect to see Sergej Jakirovic’s side face off against opposition of such stature as ‘equals’ once again.
For City, pre-season has been intriguing up until now, and the demand from supporters for more new signings is as understandable as others crying out for patience on the other side of the fence.
However, for the Red Devils, it appears as though Michael Carrick’s first pre-season at Carrington hasn’t been the smoothest, even with the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, whilst Carlos Baleba is reportedly closing in on an Old Trafford move.
To further gauge the mood from the red side of Manchester, I spoke to fellow journalist and University coursemate, Noah McIlroy (NSMUnited) about his hopes for the season and on the opening day.
Manchester United’s 2026/27 preparation
“I think Manchester United’s pre-season was a mixed bag, as we started off with an underwhelming 1-0 defeat to Championship side Wrexham, but followed with impressive performances against Rosenborg, and especially Atletico Madrid and PSG, as they are hopefully the kind of top European sides that we will be able to compete well with in the Champions League this season.
“Unfortunately, we ended as we started, with a dismal 4-2 defeat against our former manager Ruben Amorim and his AC Milan side, but fingers crossed the players and Carrick will be able to take more of the positives into the new season, hopefully starting with a win this Saturday.”
The current squad makeup at Old Trafford
“Overall, our current squad is still lacking in quality depth for me personally, particularly when it comes to our striker and full-back options, that will be needed to compete in all competitions compared to the one league game a week.
“Carrick was tasked with managing in the second half of last season. But, I’d say our new look midfield with Mainoo, Santos and Tielemans, especially if we can complete the signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton before the window closes, would be a huge upgrade from last season, where Casemiro or Ugarte sat alongside Mainoo, who will be fresh and raring to go under the man who gave him his confidence back.
“I’d also say that our goalkeeper and wide forward options are a big positive and we’ve contained a healthy balance of talented youngsters (Lammens, Amad and Dorgu), with Premier League proven experience (Cunha, Rashford, Mbeumo and Darlow).”
Carrick’s first full season as manager
Carrick, of course, is no stranger to lining up against City from his Middlesbrough days, and was able to transform United into third-placed finishers last term, winning 12 of his first 17 matches.
| Manchester United’s Last Five seasons | Finish |
| 2021/22 | 6th |
| 2022/23 | 3rd |
| 2023/24 | 8th |
| 2024/25 | 15th |
| 2025/26 | 3rd |
However, Noah believes the 45-year-old must show more after an encouraging start, to prove United are capable of reaching their previous heights over time.3
“Michael Carrick has a lot to prove, for me and many other Manchester United supporters this season,” he continued.
“whilst his stint as interim manager was very positive last season, seeing us earn the most points out of any Premier League side after he took charge, he is still lacking the necessary experience of managing a top football club with a large squad in multiple competitions across an entire season.
“Add to the fact that the Champions League is very different now with its new league phase, and that our transfer window has been disappointing for most fans at present, only signing two starters and one backup goalkeeper, things could unfortunately turn south for the club legend if he doesn’t get off to a good start.”
Outside view on Hull City
Much has been made of how City will line up against United due to injuries and no signings being made after the goalless friendly against OGC Nice last weekend.
Unsurprisingly, many predictions also have Jakirovic’s side to finish rock-bottom of the Premier League despite the 11 signings to-date, including a club-record fee for Nobel Mendy, and prior to that, Konstantinos Tzolakis, who has impressed in limited minutes thus far.
“I’d say with all due respect, Hull have an enormous mountain to climb in the Premier League this season, with the obvious goal being to and avoid relegation,” Noah said.
“Whilst some of the signings made look like they could make a good impact (Mendy, Targett and Tzolakis), I’d say they need far more quality additions, ideally with some Premier League experience, to have a realistic chance of survival, especially considering how well the other newly promoted sides have done in the market, who were already far more prepared for promotion than the Tigers. But, it’s nothing new for the club to be the underdog and surprise everyone with their grit, determination and will to achieve, which we saw throughout last season’s wonderful playoff campaign.
“I hope Sergej Jakirovic and the players can pull off what would be a sensational miracle.”
Prediction: Hull City 1-3 Manchester United
“I feel like Saturday’s game will be extremely different for both sides: from a Manchester United perspective, I think it’s a game they really need to win. Carrick has given the club stability since taking over, finishing third last season and getting United back into the Champions League, so the expectation now has to be to build on that.
The opening-day fixtures against promoted sides can sometimes be awkward though, and Hull will have absolutely nothing to lose. As a United fan, I’m confident of a win, but I don’t think it’ll necessarily be comfortable. Hull will try to make it ugly and difficult for United to break them down, like they did against top sides in the Championship last season, but I’d expect United’s quality and creativity, particularly from the midfield, to open Hull’s defence open over the 90 minutes.”
“I think Hull could score and make it interesting, but United should have enough attacking quality to come away with all three points.”
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