Man Utd's set-piece vulnerability and Ampadu's long-throw threat

Michael Carrick defended Manchester United's opening loss to Hull by pointing out both goals came from dead balls—a recurring problem that extends well beyond one match. According to Sky Sports, United have conceded 12 goals from corners since the start of last season, joint-highest in the Premier League alongside Leeds.

The defensive frailty is particularly striking given how easily opponents exploit it. Semi Ajayi's first goal saw him left unchallenged as Harry Maguire inexplicably held back Noussair Mazraoui. Similar lapses allowed Maxence Lacroix, Ross Barkley and Morato to score unchallenged for Palace, Aston Villa and Forest respectively in the final months of last season.

Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic explicitly targeted this weakness in his pre-match planning, highlighting how deliberate opponents have become about attacking these set-pieces.

Carrick can point to overall defensive improvement—20 goals conceded in 18 games since January versus 31 in 21 beforehand—but the third-highest set-piece concession rate undermines that narrative. Ipswich visit Old Trafford next, likely armed with similar targeting.

On the flip side, Leeds' Ethan Ampadu has weaponised his long throw. The captain, described by Jamie Carragher as a favourite midfielder, has launched 139 long throws into the box since last season, ranking among the Premier League elite at this delivery method.