‘Useless motivation’ — Man United fans turn on club legend after cryptic message following Hull City defeat

Manchester United legend David De Gea attempted to offer his former club a message of encouragement after their disastrous Premier League opener against Hull City, but the Spaniard’s words were met with a hostile response from some supporters.

United suffered a 2-0 defeat at the MKM Stadium, with Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scoring first-half goals to hand the newly promoted Tigers a memorable victory. The result has already raised concerns about United’s prospects under manager Michael Carrick.

De Gea, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford before leaving the club in 2023 and now plays for Fiorentina, appeared keen to remind United supporters that one defeat will not determine their entire campaign.

Following the loss, the former Spain international posted on social media: “It’s not how it starts, it’s how it ends.”

The message was seemingly intended to encourage his former club after a nightmare beginning to the 2026/27 campaign. However, the reaction from sections of the United fanbase was far from positive. One supporter responded: “Continue with the useless motivation. Who over you soon.”

Another dismissed the message by writing: “Fake philosophers everywhere,” while another frustrated fan asked: “Pastor DeGea When will this pain end?”

The backlash is a fair reflection of the mood surrounding the Red Devils after they were beaten by a side that finished sixth in the Championship last season.

The defeat represents a particularly damaging start for United, who had been tipped by many to challenge for a top-four position before the campaign began, but have no lost back-to-back opening day games for the first time since 1973.

Ajayi’s opener and Mendy’s strike before half-time exposed United’s defensive problems and left Carrick with plenty to address ahead of their next fixture.

De Gea, meanwhile, will begin his own Serie A campaign with Fiorentina on Monday when they travel to face Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

The goalkeeper remains a popular figure among many United supporters after winning the club’s Player of the Year award four times during his decorated Old Trafford career.

For now, though, his attempt to provide perspective after United’s latest setback has done little to ease the frustration among fans still waiting for their club to rediscover its best form.