Michael Carrick snaps at reporter for 'ridiculous' Man Utd question after Hull defeat

Unhappy Michael Carrick snapped at a reporter who asked if Manchester United lacked 'passion' during their woeful 2-0 loss away to Hull. The Red Devils got their Premier League campaign off to a wretched start against the side tipped to finish bottom of the table.

Captain Bruno Fernandes bemoaned United's habit of giving the ball away cheaply while left-back Luke Shaw admitted that they hadn't prepared properly. Premier League legend Alan Shearer even accused Carrick's players of looking 'unfit'.

Post-match, Carrick was interviewed by ex-Middlesbrough striker Jan Age Fjortoft, who was working for broadcaster Viaplay at the MKM Stadium. Fjortoft questioned United's passion in the first half, to which Carrick furrowed his brow and replied: "Come on, that's ridiculous.

"You played football, you understand. That's a ridiculous thing to say. Just because you get beaten doesn't mean you don't care about it.

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"Their two goals came from set plays. Other than that, we had opportunities. That was where the game was. I don't think it was passion or anything to do with that. It was just their moments that made the difference in the game."

Indeed Hull's goals did some from set pieces, as Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy put the hosts two goals to the good before half-time. United brought on Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko in search for comeback, but Hull - much thanks to goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis - kept them at bay.

Was Michael Carrick's reaction justified? Have your say in the comments section.

Carrick insists that United won't be 'rocked' by the result and will 'stay in the bubble' ahead their first home game against Ipswich, who were also promoted from the Championship last season. "It's one game. It's the first game of the season so it's disappointing enough and it hurts, of course it does," the Red Devils boss emphasised.

"But it's one game, it doesn't change the whole course of the direction the team or the football club is going in. We'll stay calm, stay in the bubble and focus on next week."

Carrick could have a new signing at his disposal come next Sunday, with United having agreed a £70m deal with Brighton for midfielder Carlos Baleba. But Carrick wasn't giving anything away, saying: "I had all eyes on this [game] today, so any other player, at any other club… until he's ours, it's not for me to comment on that."

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