Man Utd told new urgent transfer need after awful opening-day defeat to Hull City

Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes a new striker is needed at Old Trafford because they "didn’t look like scoring" during their loss at Hull.

United were stunned in their Premier League opener by the newly promoted side, and left without even bothering the scoresheet. Benjamin Sesko started the game on the bench, only coming on for the final quarter of the game. Marcus Rashford also appeared as a substitute.

Matheus Cunha began as United's central point in attack but Hargreaves would like to see another No 9 arrive on the red side of Manchester, citing it as an area of concern.

The former player referenced Michael Carrick's biggest successes, which came when they were able to play on the break, but against a Hull side that sat deep and without a genuine No 9 on the pitch, they were stifled in attack.

Hargreaves told TNT Sports : "I think they could probably do with another striker option. I think that showed today, Sesko didn’t start and Cunha played a little bit deeper. He’s a 10, and plays very effective off the left.

"But I do think with (Carlos) Baleba coming into the team, it is a good squad and it is a top four squad, I just think they were at their best last season counter attacking teams. They were at their best counter attacking teams, remember the first ones, Carrick’s first games against City and Arsenal .

"Today where they had possession of the ball they didn’t look like scoring. I think it will be easier when the space opens up. Today there wasn’t that. I think they go back to the drawing board and look at what they can do differently."

United's priority this summer has been bolstering their midfield. Two of their signings, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, began in the defeat at Hull. A deal has been agreed with Brighton and Baleba is poised to become their third midfield addition of the window.

Carrick said on any potential incomings: “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. If there’s anything to be announced on any player, I’m sure you’ll be the first to know.”

Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.

This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.