Manchester United endured a miserable start to the new Premier League season as newly promoted Hull City claimed a historic victory over Michael Carrick's side.
Hull scored twice in the first half to secure their first top-flight victory over United and their first league win against them since a Second Division meeting in 1974.
The afternoon became even more frustrating for the travelling supporters when the stadium announcer revealed during the second half that two trains from Hull back to Manchester had been cancelled, prompting celebrations and taunts from the home crowd.
On the pitch, however, United's performance provided the greatest concern.
Former United striker Wayne Rooney questioned their attacking threat, arguing that Carrick's team failed to create enough opportunities against the promoted side.
Alan Shearer suggested United did not look physically prepared for the intensity of the contest, although their pre-season performances had previously raised few concerns about fitness.
Instead, several familiar problems resurfaced.
United lacked cutting edge in attack, even after Marcus Rashford was introduced at half-time for his first appearance for the club since December 2024.
They also struggled defensively against Hull's wing-back system, having encountered similar difficulties against AC Milan in their final pre-season fixture.
Captain Bruno Fernandes believes United's pressing was a major problem and admitted the performance contained many of the same mistakes that damaged their away form last season.
Hull were given too much time in possession, particularly during the opening stages, while United struggled to apply sustained pressure.
Fernandes also highlighted defending from set-pieces as an area requiring improvement.
That weakness was no accident from Hull's perspective.
Manager Sergej Jakirovic revealed his team had specifically identified set-pieces as an area where they could hurt United.
The result was particularly significant as Hull recorded their first Premier League victory against Manchester United while also becoming the first newly promoted side to defeat United on the opening day of a Premier League season.
Despite the disappointing performance, Carrick remained composed after the final whistle.
The United manager insisted the result represented only one match and urged his players to respond positively rather than overreact to the defeat.
His calm approach is noticeably different from the more emotional style of former manager Ruben Amorim, but Carrick stressed that his composed public appearance should not be mistaken for a lack of frustration.
He admitted the defeat hurt deeply but said shouting and creating chaos would do little to improve the situation.
United now face another newly promoted opponent when Ipswich Town visit Old Trafford on 30 August.
Carrick had dismissed suggestions before the Hull match that United had been handed an easy opening schedule, and Saturday's result demonstrated exactly why.
There is at least further reinforcement on the way, with a £70m deal already agreed for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
Carrick understands the scrutiny surrounding Manchester United will intensify after such a poor opening result, but he remains determined not to allow one defeat to dramatically change his approach.
For United, the priority now is ensuring their nightmare afternoon at Hull proves to be an early setback rather than a sign of another difficult season.
