Hull, 22 August (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hull City could hardly have dreamed of a better return to the Premier League. Back in the top flight after nine years away, the Tigers beat Manchester United 2-0 at a sold-out MKM Stadium, with Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scoring the goals that gave Sergej Jakirović’s side a memorable opening-day victory.
Hull City win on unforgettable Premier League return
There was excitement around the MKM Stadium long before the 12.30pm BST kick-off. Hull’s return to Premier League football had brought a sell-out crowd, and the home side gave their supporters a performance worthy of the occasion. Hull City had confirmed before the match that both general admission and hospitality tickets were sold out.
United saw plenty of the ball, but Hull carried the greater threat when it mattered.
Ajayi put the hosts ahead before Mendy doubled their advantage, with both centre-backs punishing United from set-piece situations. Michael Carrick’s side struggled to find a response and could not turn possession into the chances needed to get back into the contest.
By full-time, the scoreboard read Hull City 2-0 Manchester United, completing a memorable afternoon for the promoted side.
Manchester United endure difficult opening afternoon
For Carrick, this was not the start he wanted to his first full Premier League season in charge.
New arrivals Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos were unable to change the course of the match, while Marcus Rashford was introduced from the bench as United searched for a route back into the game.
Hull, however, refused to buckle. Their defensive organisation kept United at arm’s length and ensured the hosts protected the advantage created by their set-piece strength.
The defeat leaves Carrick with work to do before United’s first home league fixture of the campaign.
A huge afternoon for Hull City at the MKM Stadium
The significance of this Hull City win stretches well beyond three points.
Saturday marked the Tigers’ first Premier League appearance since 2017. Hull had spent nine seasons outside England’s top division before winning promotion, making the visit of Manchester United an eye-catching way to begin their new campaign.
Jakirović named his first Premier League starting XI earlier on Saturday, becoming the man entrusted with guiding Hull through their return to the highest level.
His players responded with the sort of disciplined and committed performance promoted clubs need if they are to establish themselves in the Premier League.
There was history attached to the result, too, with Hull recording their first league victory against Manchester United since 1974.
What the result means for Manchester United
One match will not define United’s season, but the nature of the defeat will concern Carrick.
United entered the new campaign hoping to build momentum under their permanent manager, yet they were undone twice at set pieces and failed to score against a side playing its first top-flight game in nine years.
For Hull, the picture could scarcely be more different. Beating Manchester United provides an immediate lift and gives the promoted side three valuable points before the season has had time to settle.
More importantly, the performance showed that Hull are prepared to make the MKM Stadium a difficult place for established Premier League teams.
What happens next?
Manchester United now have an opportunity to respond at Old Trafford, with their next Premier League fixture against Ipswich Town on Sunday, 30 August.
Hull travel to Coventry City for their next league fixture on Saturday, 29 August. After a nine-year wait to return to the Premier League, their first afternoon back could hardly have gone better.
