Michael Carrick’s United lose 2-0 at Hull while Spurs suffer embarrassing 3-0 defeat at Brentford on a nightmare opening weekend.
The 2026-27 Premier League season kicked off with a series of stunning results as two of England’s biggest clubs — Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur — suffered humiliating defeats against newly promoted and modestly assembled opponents.
While champions Arsenal began their title defence with a comfortable 3-0 win over Coventry on Friday, Saturday belonged to the underdogs as Hull City and Brentford delivered statement performances that sent shockwaves across the footballing world.
Carrick’s United Crushed at Hull
Michael Carrick endured a nightmare start to his first full season as Manchester United manager, with his side falling to a dismal 2-0 defeat against newly promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
First-half goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy rocked the visitors, who offered little evidence of the title-challenging credentials many had predicted after last season’s third-place finish.
Remarkably, Hull were without 10 players due to injury but still produced a vibrant, energetic display that exposed United’s defensive frailties and lack of attacking cohesion.
For Carrick, who replaced the sacked Ruben Amorim last season, the result was a chastening reality check. However, the former United midfielder refused to lose his composure, steering clear of the emotional outbursts that plagued his predecessor.
“We came here to win so to not take anything away is hugely disappointing. It is not a nice feeling but it is not going to change our direction as a team or a club,” Carrick said.
“You have to carry on as normal. We just don’t all have to shout and scream and create some chaos. Calmness doesn’t mean there is not emotion.”
The defeat raises immediate questions about United’s ability to mount a serious title challenge against champions Arsenal, who look as formidable as ever.
Tottenham’s £200M Gamble Backfires Spectacularly
If United’s defeat was bad, Tottenham Hotspur’s was nothing short of a disaster.
Roberto De Zerbi handed debuts to four new signings — Sandro Tonali, Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Jan Paul van Hecke — as part of a summer spending spree that exceeded £200 million ($272 million) . The Italian boss was brought in to transform a squad that narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season.
But Brentford — assembled on a fraction of Spurs’ budget — tore the visitors apart in west London with a scintillating performance.
Keane Lewis-Potter and Vitaly Janelt gave Keith Andrews’ side a 2-0 half-time lead before Michael Kayode struck after the break to make it 3-0.
It could have been even worse for Tottenham, but Igor Thiago missed a penalty that would have put Brentford four goals up.
A visibly frustrated De Zerbi offered no excuses:
“I am sorry for the defeat. I know we have to improve in our physical condition and the organisation. There were many new players but it was the first game. It’s part of our journey,” he said.
With four debutants in the starting XI, Spurs’ lack of cohesion was evident — and the fans who travelled to the Gtech Community Stadium made their displeasure clear.
Palace’s Sage Off to a Rocky Start
Crystal Palace’s new French manager Pierre Sage endured a miserable debut as his side fell 2-0 to Everton at Goodison Park.
Sage replaced Oliver Glasner , who led the Eagles to FA Cup glory in 2025 and UEFA Conference League success last season before departing for Nottingham Forest in the close-season.
The former Lens boss, who guided the French club to a Ligue 1 runner-up finish and French Cup triumph, watched as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall gave Everton the lead against the run of play in the 42nd minute.
Thierno Barry compounded Sage’s misery with a bullet header from Iliman Ndiaye’s 53rd-minute cross, sealing a comfortable victory for the Toffees.
Glasner’s Forest Debut Ends in Defeat
Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner’s first game in charge of Nottingham Forest ended in a 1-0 defeat against Leeds United at the City Ground.
Anton Stach’s 88th-minute free-kick squirmed past Forest keeper Matz Sels to seal the points for Leeds, who will face Glasner’s men again in the League Cup second round on Tuesday.
Ipswich Celebrate Premier League Return with Late Drama
There was joy at Portman Road as Ipswich Town marked their return to the Premier League with a dramatic 2-1 win against Sunderland.
Emersonn put Ipswich ahead with a debut goal in the 24th minute, but Nilson Angulo equalised with a fine free-kick in the 39th minute.
Just as the game looked destined for a draw, Jack Clarke curled home in the 90th minute to give Gary O’Neil a winning start in his first game as Ipswich boss after replacing Kieran McKenna.
Sunday’s Blockbuster Double-Header
The opening weekend concludes on Sunday with two massive fixtures featuring new managers and summer departures:
- Manchester City begin life without Pep Guardiola as new boss Enzo Maresca takes charge for the first time against Bournemouth.
- Liverpool, who parted ways with Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah in the close-season, are also under new management as former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola prepares for his first match against Newcastle United.
Arsenal Set the Standard
On Friday, defending champions Arsenal opened their title defence with an emphatic 3-0 win at home to promoted Coventry, sending an early message to their rivals that they remain the team to beat.
What We Learned from Opening Weekend
- New signings need time — Tottenham’s £200M spend produced little return as chemistry issues were laid bare.
- Underdogs are fearless — Hull and Brentford showed that Premier League status is earned, not given.
- Carrick’s calm approach — Whether stoicism will serve United better than Amorim’s emotional style remains to be seen.
- Managerial transitions are tricky — Sage, Glasner, and De Zerbi all suffered defeats, highlighting the challenges of new regimes.
As the Premier League settles into its new season, one thing is clear: the 2026-27 campaign promises more drama, shocks, and unforgettable moments.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as Sunday’s matches conclude.