Hull City meticulously studied Manchester United's tactics, identifying significant vulnerabilities in their full-back positioning and set-piece defense. The team's coaching staff reportedly watched United's performances multiple times, including a 4-2 loss to AC Milan, to develop a game plan that would expose these flaws.
According to Hull City's manager, Sergej Jakirovic, the plan was executed successfully. He noted that the team's strategy focused on exploiting the gaps left in the full-back areas, particularly when Manchester United's left-back, Luke Shaw, pushed high up the pitch. Hull City also targeted set pieces as a notable area of weakness for United.
"We watched Man United three times, one time live. We saw their problems and then we tried to use this today," Jakirovic stated. "Everything that we agreed on in the meeting this week, everything that we tried to practice went as planned, and this is the result in the end."
Two goals from Hull City highlighted these tactical issues. The first goal originated from a corner, and the subsequent chaos in the box saw Hull City players outmaneuver United's defense, with one player brushing off a defender. The second goal came from a wide free-kick, an area identified by Hull City as a specific weakness for United's defensive setup. Jakirovic credited his assistant coach and the owner for developing the set-piece strategy.
Beyond set pieces, Hull City's manager felt his team was quicker, more inventive, and braver in possession and out of possession. He explained their approach involved closing down gaps between the lines and transitioning vertically and quickly when regaining possession, utilizing wing-backs who operated in advanced positions.
Despite the presence of players like Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United struggled to adapt or impose their game. While the club has seen positive signs in pre-season and anticipates the return of several key players, this defeat has provided a clear blueprint for opponents to exploit their tactical vulnerabilities. The performance has raised questions about whether the team's current methodology is sufficient, even as the club aims for further squad reinforcements.