Peter Schmeichel has criticised three Manchester United players for their roles in the team's 2-0 defeat to Hull City in the Premier League opener on Saturday. The former United goalkeeper singled out Patrick Dorgu, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw for specific errors that led to both goals.
Defensive errors cost United early
Hull took the lead after 38 minutes when Semi Ajayi scored from a corner, following a goalmouth scramble that began with Oli McBurnie's effort being pushed onto the bar by United goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The second goal came just before half-time when record signing Nobel Mendy headed in from Regan Slater's free kick.
Schmeichel, speaking to Premier League Productions, highlighted Dorgu's positioning at the front post for the first goal. 'Look at Dorgu on the front post, he is not even looking at the guy taking the corner kick,' he said. 'At that exact moment, he loses his concentration, he does not have the ability to block the first ball.'
He also criticised Heaven for his marking of McBurnie. 'And of course, Ayden Heaven on the back post. He allows McBurnie to go in behind him. You can't allow that. That's not how you defend, you have to be stronger,' Schmeichel added.
Shaw's positioning under fire
For the second goal, Schmeichel pointed to Luke Shaw's decision to drop back and play the opposition onside. 'It is the absolute lack of concentration from Man United. That's what disappoints me the most,' he said at full-time.
'I picked on Luke Shaw. Luke Shaw is two yards behind everyone else, playing everyone else onside. He shouldn't be there. He fell for the dummy. If he stayed up there, he would be either offside or it would have gone out for a goal kick,' Schmeichel explained.
Schmeichel expressed his disappointment that an experienced team like United made such basic defensive mistakes.
Impact on United's season start
The defeat leaves Manchester United with no points from their opening match, while newly-promoted Hull City claimed a notable scalp. The result adds immediate pressure on the United squad as they look to recover in their next fixture.
