It took just one round of the Premier League to dent the preseason optimism surrounding Manchester United and Tottenham.
Saturday’s action began with Manchester United, the 20-time champions under a new permanent manager and with a revamped midfield, suffering an embarrassing 2-0 defeat to promoted Hull.
The day ended with Tottenham, one of Europe’s biggest spenders this summer with around $300 million and counting invested in new players, being comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Brentford.
Elsewhere, Everton secured a home victory in front of Britain’s recently installed prime minister, while another promoted side, Ipswich, also opened its campaign with a win.
Man United stumble at Hull
Hull marked its return to the top flight after a nine-year absence with a memorable victory, although much of the post-match discussion focused on Manchester United’s shortcomings.
First-half set-piece goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy condemned United to a disappointing defeat against a side promoted through the second-tier Championship playoffs and widely expected to face a relegation battle.
“It was never going to be perfect,” said Michael Carrick, who was rewarded with a permanent contract after guiding United to third place last season and securing a return to the Champions League.
Carrick was also given a new central-midfield pairing in Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, while Brighton’s Carlos Baleba could be the next addition.
Marcus Rashford also returned from a loan spell at Barcelona and came on as a halftime substitute against Hull.
However, Rashford and his teammates struggled to make an impact in a lacklustre team performance that highlighted how much work remains for United, who last won the Premier League title in 2013 under Alex Ferguson.
On the evidence of the opening game, United appear unlikely to challenge for the title.
“One game doesn’t change the direction of everything,” Carrick said. “It doesn’t change the direction of the football club.”
Tonali and Tottenham outplayed by Brentford
Only Chelsea had spent more on new players than Tottenham across Europe this summer, but the spending offered little reward at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.
Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, who joined Tottenham from Newcastle for a club-record $133 million, was among the new signings in a Spurs side that was thoroughly outplayed by a settled Brentford team.
Brentford took a 2-0 lead by the 33rd minute through close-range strikes from Keane Lewis-Potter and Vitaly Janelt.
Michael Kayode added a third shortly after halftime, while Igor Thiago, Brentford’s top scorer last season, missed an opportunity to extend the lead when his penalty struck the post.
Everton and Ipswich claim victories
Everton had a notable supporter in the stands as it secured a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Andy Burnham attended his first Everton match since becoming Britain’s prime minister last month and watched Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry score for the hosts.
Everton manager David Moyes said he spoke to Burnham, a season ticket-holder at the club, by phone after the match.
Ismaila Sarr, who has been linked with a move away from Palace, was not included in the matchday squad for Pierre Sage’s first game in charge. Sage said the Senegal forward’s absence was due to injury.
Palace also lost Morocco defender Chadi Riad to what appeared to be a serious knee injury, with the player carried off on a stretcher in the second half.
Ipswich was another promoted side to begin the season with a victory, beating former club Sunderland 2-1 after Jack Clarke scored in the 90th minute.
Leeds also secured a late victory, with Anton Stach’s 88th-minute free kick giving the team a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal had already begun its title defence with a 3-0 victory over Coventry, the second-tier champion last season, on Friday.
On Sunday, Manchester City will look to recover from its 3-0 defeat by Arsenal in last weekend’s Community Shield when it faces Bournemouth, while Liverpool travels to Newcastle.
