Is Manchester United Fit Enough For The New Season?

BusinessSportsMoneyIs Manchester United Fit Enough For The New Season?ByGraham Ruthven,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I am a soccer writer based in the United KingdomFollow AuthorAug 22, 2026, 07:54pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Youri Tielemans of Manchester United applauds the fans after the team's defeat in the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Hull, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)Getty ImagesA familiar sinking feeling hit Manchester United on Saturday. Despite what many viewed to be a positive summer transfer window, Michael Carrick’s team suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Hull City in its opening fixture of the 2026/27 Premier League season. It was a deserved defeat.The promoted outfit outran and outfought United, especially in the first half when the damage was done by Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy who both found the back of the net. Hull was clearly ready for the opening fixture of the new campaign while Manchester United was sluggish. The difference in energy between the two teams was stark.HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: A dejected Manchester United head coach / manager Michael Carrick during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Hull, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)Getty ImagesUnited’s performance raised questions about the team’s fitness levels. Like most Premier League managers, Carrick had numerous squad members at the 2026 World Cup. Some of Manchester United’s players reported late for pre-season which may have been a factor in the lacklustre display against Hull City.Youri Tielemans was off the pace following his summer transfer from Aston Villa. Andrey Santos struggled to get on the ball...