0 key passes, 0 successful dribbles: United’s new signing endures rocky debut vs Hull City | OneFootball

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Manchester United suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, 22 August, in the Premier League. Goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy helped the Tigers earn a historic win to mark their return to the top flight of English football.

United arrived at the game fresh from a fruitful pre-season, during which they registered three wins and two defeats in six games. Michael Carrick upgraded his squad over the summer by signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to help replace the outgoing Casemiro.

Karl Darlow was signed for free to bolster the goalkeeping department, which saw Andrey Onana and Altay Bayindir leave on loan. The Welsh custodian, however, had to be content with a place on the bench as Carrick continued with Senne Lammens, who has been handed the No. 1 shirt this summer, in goal.

The back four consisted of Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw. New signings Santos and Tielemans started together in midfield, while Bruno Fernandes was deployed in the No. 10 role.

In attack, Carrick opted to play Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo either side of Matheus Cunha. Among the players on the bench were Kobbie Mainoo, Benjamin Sesko and Marcus Rashford, who wore the No. 9 shirt.

United failed to impress

United started the game well but failed to break down a resolute Hull side. The hosts then took the lead in the 17th minute through Semi Ajayi.

That was expected to spark the visitors back to life, but the newly promoted side held their ground. The Tigers then stunned the Red Devils by doubling the score in the 38th minute through Nobel Mendy.

Carrick’s team headed into the break with a 2-0 deficit, and the English manager opted to bring on Rashford in place of Dorgu before the second half. Despite further substitutions later in the game, the Red Devils failed to trouble the home side, who held on to secure a memorable win and all three points.

Fans will hardly be pleased with United’s start to the new season, with the team still looking off the pace. Meanwhile, the performance of new signing Tielemans is likely to cause quite a few frowns as well.

Youri Tielemans had an off day

Tielemans initially looked good, but drifted out of the game after United went behind. The Belgian was expected to spearhead the Red Devils’ fightback, but it was not to be.

The 29 year old had 80 touches of the ball and attempted 70 passes with 89% passing accuracy. He attempted two long balls, only one of which found its man. Tielemans also registered one cross, but it failed to find a teammate.

The Belgian had one shot in the game, which was blocked, and attempted one dribble, which was not successful. The player also failed to register a key pass, while his lack of defensive contribution hurt the team as well.

Tielemans failed to register any tackles, blocks or interceptions, and was also dribbled past twice. He won three of his seven duels and lost possession 11 times.

Youri Tielemans: Stats vs Hull City

United appeared to have managed a coup when they secured the services of Tielemans this summer. While the Belgian endured a poor debut for United, it would be wrong to write him off just yet.