Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has admitted his side made life difficult for themselves after conceding an early goal in their 2-0 Premier League defeat to newly promoted Hull City.

Hull City marked their return to the top flight with an impressive victory on Saturday, courtesy of goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy.

Reflecting on the defeat, Carrick said the early setback handed the hosts a significant advantage and left United with a difficult task.

“It was never going to be perfect, but going behind and giving ourselves a lot to do makes it more difficult,” Carrick said after the match.

He described the game as a typical encounter against a newly promoted side playing in front of its home fans, adding that Hull had plenty to defend once they took the lead.

“You can’t give them much. They’ve got a lot to hold on to,” he said.

Carrick acknowledged that Manchester United created a few opportunities after falling behind but lacked the quality and creativity needed to convert their chances.

“After that, we had moments and opportunities, but we didn’t have the spark to put the chances away or create any more,” he added.

Despite the disappointing result, Carrick insisted the defeat would not derail his team’s campaign.

“We’re bitterly disappointed with the result, but we won’t let it knock us,” he said.