'Not even looking!' - Peter Schmeichel rips into Man Utd trio after embarrassing opening day defeat to Hull City

The post-match inquest into Man United's opening day failure has been brutal, with Schmeichel leading the charge against the defensive lapses that allowed Hull City to take control. Goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy inside 38 minutes left United shell-shocked, and the legendary goalkeeper was quick to identify Patrick Dorgu and young defender Ayden Heaven as the primary culprits for the first goal.

Analysing the footage for Premier League Productions, Schmeichel stated: "Look at Dorgu on the front post, he is not even looking at the guy taking the corner kick. At that exact moment, he loses his concentration, he does not have the ability to block the first ball.

"And of course, Ayden Heaven on the back post. He allows [Oli] McBurnie to go in behind him. You can’t allow that. That’s not how you defend, you have to be stronger."

It was not just the younger players who faced the wrath of former United captains, as Luke Shaw was also placed under the microscope for his role in Hull's second goal. Wayne Rooney criticised the experienced left-back for a massive 'schoolboy' error that played the Tigers' frontline onside for Mendy's headed goal.

Schmeichel echoed these sentiments during his full-time assessment, expressing his shock at such a veteran player making a fundamental mistake. "It is the absolute lack of concentration from Man United. That’s what disappoints me the most," Schmeichel added. "I picked on Luke Shaw. Luke Shaw is two yards behind everyone else, playing everyone else onside. He shouldn’t be there. He fell for the dummy. If he stayed up there, he would be either offside or it would have gone out for a goal kick. That’s a disappointment for me, that an experienced team like that makes mistakes like that."

The problems for the Red Devils extended beyond individual errors, with the overall team shape and intensity being questioned by those watching on. Michael Carrick, who enjoyed a successful first season in charge, saw his side outfought and outmanoeuvred by a Hull team that appeared much better prepared for the physical demands of the contest.

Rooney pointed out a distinct lack of energy in the United press, which allowed Hull to build confidence and dictate the tempo of the game in front of their home fans. The former striker added: "They sat in a mid block, didn’t get any pressure on the ball, I think they won two balls in Hull’s final third, there needs to be more energy in the press, how they go and win the ball back. Today was all too passive."

To compound the misery of the defeat, current club captain Bruno Fernandes caused a stir with his post-match reflections on the team's performance. The Portuguese playmaker hinted that the squad were falling back into old habits, particularly regarding their form away from Old Trafford.

Rooney was firm in his disagreement with the captain's assessment of the situation. "It’s a strange quote from Bruno. I think for Manchester United now to build on what they did last season, since Michael went in they finished third in the Premier League and got Champions League football, to build on that you have to become a team who teams are scared of playing against," he explained.