Manchester United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Hull City in their Premier League opener on 22/8, with center-back Harry Maguire drawing significant criticism for his actions during Hull's first goal. In the 17th minute, a corner kick from the left wing saw Oliver McBurnie's shot blocked by Senne Lammens on the goal line. However, Manchester United players hesitated, allowing Semi Ajayi to easily tap in the rebound into an empty net.

Slow-motion replays revealed Maguire embracing teammate Noussair Mazraoui just before Ajayi scored. Critics argue that if Maguire had not been caught in the entanglement with his teammate, either he or Mazraoui could have reacted and cleared the ball. This incident proved crucial, marking Hull's first-ever Premier League victory against Manchester United after ten matches without a win, and the first time Manchester United has lost to a newly promoted team in an English top-flight season opener.

Semi Ajayi scored the opening goal in Hull City's 2-0 victory over Manchester United in their Premier League opener at MKM Stadium, Kingston upon Hull, England on 22/8/2026. *AFP*

A video capturing Maguire's error quickly spread on social media, sparking widespread discussion. "Maguire does it again," one account posted on X. Another commented, "Maguire, please don't revert to your old self." One fan light-heartedly joked, "Maguire must think it's still pre-season training." However, some also defended the English center-back. "You can't criticize Maguire. Today he was Manchester United's second-best player, only behind Bryan Mbeumo," one account wrote. Another opinion suggested Maguire was not solely to blame: "They all stood still like statues; that's what makes me angry. No one challenged for the ball. Not a single person. What a shameful lack of fighting spirit."

Harry Maguire embraces Noussair Mazraoui during Semi Ajayi's goal. *Sky Sports*

Manchester United's defensive disarray became more apparent after Luke Shaw admitted the team was not adequately prepared for Hull's set pieces. The English defender stated the entire team should have defended better, also acknowledging that Manchester United lacked attacking sharpness to turn the game around. Later in the match, Nobel Mendy scored with a header, securing Hull City's 2-0 victory.

Following the loss to Hull, Maguire did not travel with the rest of the team but returned home independently. According to the British newspaper Sunsport, the 33-year-old center-back did not argue with his teammates but had personal matters to attend to and received permission from the club to travel separately. Maguire's family lives in Sheffield, a short distance from Hull, suggesting he likely returned to his hometown.

Since Michael Carrick's appointment as head coach earlier this year, Manchester United players have almost always been given a day off after each match. This allows them to travel independently instead of being required to return to the Carrington training center for recovery sessions. Previously, under Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag, players typically had to be at Carrington the following day for recovery training.

Maguire looks frustrated after Manchester United conceded their second goal. *Reuters*

Maguire has a history of hindering his own teammates, costing Manchester United in crucial moments. In 2020, during a match against Tottenham, he accidentally "fouled" Shaw, leading to a conceded goal. Maguire also once kicked Paul Pogba in the head, forcing his teammate off the field bleeding, and at another time demanded a handball penalty against Nemanja Matic in the box. While players can become disoriented in high-pressure, fast-paced games, Maguire's repeated errors in similar situations continue to raise questions among fans.

Manchester United signed Maguire in 2019 for 96 million USD from Leicester, a record fee for a defender at the time. The English player initially did not meet expectations, was stripped of the captaincy by former coach Erik ten Hag, and nearly left Old Trafford in summer 2023. However, he made an impressive comeback under coaches Ruben Amorim and then Michael Carrick. His contract was recently extended until 2027, with an option for a one-year extension. Under the new wage structure at Old Trafford, Maguire's earnings decreased from approximately 245,000 to 164,000 USD per week.