Michael Carrick responds to Carlos Baleba links as Manchester United message sent after Hull defeat | OneFootball

Red Devils boss fell to frustrating defeat in first match of permanent tenure

Michael Carrick refused to be drawn on reports Manchester United are set to sign Carlos Baleba as he called for calm after defeat at Hull.

United were broadly uninspired as they opened their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 loss away at newly-promoted Hull City, but fans may be placated by reports the club has finally agreed a deal to sign Brighton midfielder Baleba.

Standard Sport reported this week that the two clubs found common ground on a £65million package, and the player is said to be undergoing a medical in Manchester today.

Manchester United’s defeat at Hull has left Michael Carrick with plenty of food for thought

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United’s season got off to a poor start on Humberside. They were two goals behind by half-time despite the new-look midfield pairing of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans starting, while the second-half introductions of Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko and Kobbie Mainoo had little impact.

There is plenty of work to be done on the training ground before United host Ipswich next week, but Carrick is refusing to panic.

Instead, he called for calm and patience as he dissected the defeat: “One game doesn’t change the whole direction of everything, but we need to be aware where we need to improve.

“We have a bit to improve on, it was never going to be perfect. Going behind makes it more difficult, against a promoted team at home, we can't give them much and they had opportunities. We're disappointed but it won't knock us.”