'Really disappointing' - Luke Shaw admits Manchester United lack preparation after shock defeat to Hull City

Goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy ensured the Tigers enjoyed a fairytale return to the top flight, while piling immediate pressure on Carrick. The visitors struggled to assert their authority against a disciplined Hull side that capitalised on defensive lapses to secure three points in front of a raucous home crowd. Shaw did not hold back in his assessment of the performance, admitting that the team failed to meet the required standards.

"Really disappointing. It’s not us and we knew it was coming. I think as a whole, as a group, collectively, we could prepare better. Especially knowing how good they are at set-plays and what their dangers are," Shaw told Stan Sports.

Shaw admitted that while the team had discussed the threats, the execution and the level of readiness were far below the expected standard for a club of United's stature. Shaw was remarkably candid when assessing why the team fell short against the underdogs, pointing specifically to a failure to prepare for the host's known strengths.

"Disappointing, I think we knew Hull’s strengths, Set-plays and wide positions and crosses into the box. At times we did defend well, but the goals, set-plays, not good enough. We knew they were going to be good from set-plays and ultimately it’s cost us the three points," Shaw explained.

United dominated the ball for large periods of the second half, attempting to find a way back into the contest as Hull sat deep to protect their lead. However, the Red Devils struggled to translate their possession into meaningful chances, with the forward line appearing out of sync. Shaw struggled to pinpoint exactly why the finishing touch was missing but refused to hide behind the fact that it was the first competitive outing of the year.

"I think also going forward we were lacking that cutting edge today to score the goals and try to fight our way back into the game," Shaw said. "No excuses at all in this game, but it’s the start of the season and maybe players are finding form a little bit. But no way is that an excuse, Manchester United should be coming to Hull and no disrespect to them, but we should be winning the game."

The result has drawn sharp criticism from former players, with Wayne Rooney describing the defending as "schoolboy" during his analysis of the goals. Despite the gloom surrounding the result, Carrick attempted to maintain a more measured perspective on the defeat, urging the fans and media not to overreact to a single result in a long season. "We did some good things today and it will get lost. We have to find answers but because we lose one game, it doesn’t mean everything needs dissecting," the manager stated.

United will now have a week to rectify their tactical issues on the training ground before returning to action against another newly-promoted side, Ipswich Town, on August 30.