Hull begin their Premier League campaign at home against a Manchester United side still finding its identity under Michael Carrick. Injuries have disrupted both squads—Hull are without J. Butland and Joe Gelhardt entirely, while United have Matheus de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte…
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Sign inManchester United raise the curtain on their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a Saturday lunchtime trip to newly promoted Hull City on 22 August. Michael Carrick begins his first full season as permanent head coach, but he does so amid a mounting injury crisis that could leave the visitors short of several established names at the MKM Stadium.
Carrick’s selection plans are dominated by treatment-room bulletins. Mason Mount was forced off 20 minutes into the pre‑season meeting with Paris Saint‑Germain and sat out the friendlies against Leeds United and AC Milan with a foot problem; the former Chelsea midfielder is a doubt for the curtain‑raiser. Forward Benjamin Šeško has yet to feature this summer because of the shin injury he sustained in May, meaning Bryan Mbeumo is likely to lead the line. Manuel Ugarte ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament at the World Cup and is a long‑term absentee, while centre‑back Matthijs de Ligt has not played since November after back surgery — he is back training on grass but has no firm return date. Goalkeeper Tom Heaton is also out after a hamstring issue against PSG.
There is better news regarding Matheus Cunha, who shook off a knock against AC Milan and is expected to be available, while Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martínez returned from post‑World Cup breaks and featured off the bench in that same Milan friendly.
Hull are back in the top flight for the first time in a decade after winning the Championship play‑offs in May. Head coach Sergej Jakirovic retains the core of the promotion squad but has added Matt Targett and Jens Hjerto‑Dahl, though goalkeeper Jack Butland is sidelined for at least three months, leaving Konstantinos Tzolakis as a certain starter. The Tigers face Nice in their final pre‑season fixture and will want to show they are ready to compete before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
Summer signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos are expected to start together in a revamped midfield, with Mount’s fitness clouding his involvement. Bruno Fernandes will captain the side in a fluid attacking quartet, where Amad Diallo has nailed down the right‑wing role after an impressive pre‑season. Diogo Dalot’s form at right‑back may push Leny Yoro into the centre alongside Harry Maguire, though Ayden Heaven’s displays last season keep him in the conversation. Marcus Rashford is back in contention after being frozen out under former boss Ruben Amorim, yet it is unclear whether he will get the nod on the left ahead of Cunha or Dorgu.
Carrick’s decision in the engine room could define the contest. With Ugarte absent and Mount struggling, Tielemans and Santos will be tasked with dictating the tempo against a Hull side likely to sit deep. If Mainoo — who played 29 minutes against Milan — gets a surprise start, his ability to progress the ball through the thirds could pry open a compact home defence.
Hull’s survival prospects will be assessed early, and a visit from United offers Jakirovic’s men the toughest possible reintroduction to the Premier League. For Carrick, the focus is simply on getting through the opening weekend with three points and no further damage to an already stretched squad.
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