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Man Utd have new top transfer priority after Hull defeat and it's not a left-back Manchester United's defeat to newly-promoted Hull City has exposed a glaring gap in Michael Carrick's squad. Manchester United would not have expected newly-promoted Hull City to deliver a masterclass against them. But that's precisely what transpired on Humberside. United began with a fluid attacking trio of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu. At the opposite end of the field, the Tigers had Oli McBurnie leading the line. There was a straightforwardness to their strategy, with Lewie Coyle and Ryan Giles seeking to locate McBurnie at every available opportunity. United were alerted to that danger early when Noussair Mazraoui had to race back to clear the ball from the striker. McBurnie then forced a fine stop from Senne Lammens shortly before contributing to the opening goal. He proved too powerful at the far post as he hammered an attempt goalwards. Lammens' intervention thwarted him, but he was powerless to prevent Semi Ajayi converting the rebound. It established the pattern for Hull and they gained momentum from that point. As for United, they persisted with their intricate combination play, but they were fundamentally deficient in the attacking third. Following the interval, Michael Carrick recognised his side required adjustment. Marcus Rashford replaced Dorgu, Cunha shifted to the right and Mbeumo operated centrally. While Rashford provided some desperately-needed penetration, the perfect answer to unlocking Hull stayed on the bench. Benjamin Sesko missed the whole of pre-season while recuperating from a shin injury sustained last season. Sesko displayed glimpses last season of becoming the spearhead that United were missing. He commanded the attack, found the net and his physical presence would have been ideal against Hull's sturdy back three. When he finally entered the fray with barely more than 20 minutes left, it proved too late for the Red Devils. Carrick's options were limited with Sesko's introduction. The Slovenian had only resumed full training this week, and playing him any longer would have risked aggravating his injury or burning him out. EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page His contribution after coming on indicates Carrick might have introduced him prematurely. Nevertheless, when Rashford delivered a decent cross, Sesko attempted to meet the ball in a manner none of his attacking team-mates had managed throughout the match. United won't panic following the defeat. After all, much of their squad are still regaining match sharpness post-World Cup. But Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, who were present on Saturday lunchtime, must recognise what needs to be addressed before September 1. Without Sesko available, United appear desperately lacking in the centre-forward department. The focus has been on midfield and Carlos Baleba will conclude the spending in that area. United are keen to recruit a left-back, but they must also identify a striker to provide Carrick with another attacking alternative. Joshua Zirkzee is not the man to spearhead the attack - that has been demonstrated on numerous occasions. What was evident in Hull is that Mbeumo and Cunha are 'in case of emergency' answers. United require a striker who can properly plug the gap when Sesko is unavailable. They have nine days to find that player.