The opening Saturday of the 2026/27 English Premier League season lived up to the familiar expectations of drama and surprises, with two major upsets grabbing the headlines.
Manchester United’s defeat to Hull City and Tottenham’s loss to Brentford were the biggest talking points, and both results offered plenty to analyse.
United’s Intensity Problem
In much the same way they lost 4-2 to AC Milan in Poland during pre-season, Manchester United struggled to match the energy of the newcomers, who played with more fire and hunger.
The Michael Carrick side enjoyed 72 per cent possession, but possession without intensity counted for little. Hull made their opportunities count, with both goals coming from set-pieces in the opening 40 minutes.
United had the entire second half to turn things around. They knocked at the door repeatedly, but the net simply refused to shake.
The midfield trio of Fernandes, Tielemans and Santos looked too pedestrian for much of the game. They were often dispossessed in the middle, particularly Tielemans, whose foul led to Hull’s second goal.
Ultimately, Manchester United lacked the cutting edge required to break down a determined Hull side and were deservedly punished.
United appeared to miss the industry of Casemiro in midfield, and the expected arrival of Carlos Baleba could potentially address some of the athleticism and physicality concerns in the middle. But with Baleba currently injured, Carrick must find answers quickly, with another newly promoted side, Ipswich Town, waiting on matchday two.
Came through the back door. Left with three points. 🤪🚪 pic.twitter.com/H2HpiQFvl6
— Hull City (@HullCity) August 22, 2026
Big Spending, Bigger Questions
For Spurs, calling it a disappointing start would be an understatement for fans who had hoped for a brighter beginning.
Having enjoyed the war chest previous managers had long hoped for, Roberto De Zerbi was left red-faced after Brentford’s emphatic victory.
Tottenham have already spent £237 million, with that figure potentially surpassing £300 million if Manchester City duo Savinho and Marmoush eventually make the move to North London.
Yet money did little to protect Spurs from a Brentford side that looked more physical, organised and determined.
De Zerbi admitted afterwards that his team lacked the physicality required to compete with the gritty visitors.
Roberto De Zerbi reacts to our opening day defeat 🗣️
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 22, 2026
The Italian has brought in six players and is not done yet. Only Fernandes and Dubravka among his new arrivals did not start against Brentford. Three of the new signings started in defence, yet Spurs still conceded three goals.
Integration can serve as an excuse for now, but not for long.
De Zerbi must quickly forge a winning formula from the collection of players at his disposal. Spending big can improve a squad, but it does not automatically create a team.
For Tottenham fans, perhaps the biggest lesson from the opening weekend is that money may buy players, but it cannot buy chemistry overnight.
The season is still long, and one defeat should not define De Zerbi’s tenure. But after such heavy investment, patience will inevitably have its limits.
For Manchester United and Tottenham, the opening weekend was a reminder that reputation, possession and transfer spending mean little if the intensity, organisation and cutting edge are missing.
