Alan Shearer condemns Manchester United after Hull loss

Manchester United have started the 2026-27 Premier League season with serious questions over their readiness after Alan Shearer sharply criticised the players’ performance against Hull City. The former England striker said the team lacked the energy and intensity needed to compete, particularly against a newly promoted side.

Hull won 2-0 in the opening round, leaving Michael Carrick’s team without a point at the beginning of the campaign. Shearer felt United were unable to match Hull from the first minutes and appeared unprepared for the demands of an away game against a promoted opponent. The defeat is therefore an immediate setback for a side expected to respond with greater urgency in its next league fixtures.

Shearer was especially critical of United’s attacking contribution, saying the team created little and appeared uncertain about its approach. He also judged the display to have been poor across the pitch, while acknowledging that it was only the first match of the season. In his assessment, the result exposed a large amount of work still required under Carrick. United’s opening form now stands at one defeat from one match, with their lack of competitiveness against Hull the main concern rather than the scoreline alone.