Hull, 22 August (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hull City could hardly have scripted a better return to the Premier League. Back in the top flight after nine years away, the Tigers beat Manchester United 2-0 at the MKM Stadium as Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy turned a long-awaited homecoming into a memorable afternoon.
Hull City Man Utd clash turns on set-pieces
Hull’s intentions were clear from the opening stages. Sergej Jakirović’s newly promoted side pressed with energy and repeatedly troubled United from dead-ball situations.
The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute. Oli McBurnie’s effort following a corner was saved by Senne Lammens, but Ajayi reacted quickest to the rebound and put Hull ahead.
United had plenty of possession but Hull carried the greater threat when it mattered.
Seven minutes before half-time, Regan Slater delivered a free-kick into the area and Mendy rose above the United defence to power his header beyond Lammens.
Hull went into the interval 2-0 ahead, with the MKM Stadium celebrating a first Premier League appearance since 2017.
Manchester United struggle despite controlling possession
Michael Carrick’s side saw almost three-quarters of the ball, yet possession rarely translated into clear opportunities.
Bryan Mbeumo eventually tested Konstantinos Tzolakis in the 78th minute, but the Hull goalkeeper made the save and finished the afternoon with a clean sheet. Marcus Rashford also returned as a substitute for his first United appearance since December 2024, but could not inspire a comeback.
For United, it was a frustrating opening to a campaign that had begun with renewed optimism following last season’s third-place finish.
Carrick refuses to panic after opening defeat
Carrick accepted that United had areas to improve but insisted one defeat would not change the direction of his team.
“It’s one game,” he told TNT Sports, adding that United would “stay calm” and turn their attention towards their next fixture.
Captain Bruno Fernandes pointed to the physical challenge Hull presented and admitted the visitors had been punished for failing to match their opponents at crucial moments.
“The two set-pieces ended up costing us the game today,” Fernandes said.
Historic Hull victory sends early message
The result was more than simply an opening-day win for Hull. It was their first league victory over Manchester United in 52 years and gave Jakirović’s players an immediate reward after returning to England’s top division.
Captain Lewie Coyle said the squad had the character and resilience needed to compete at this level, stressing that Hull had not returned merely to “make the numbers up”.
That belief was visible throughout the Hull City Man Utd contest. Hull defended with discipline, attacked set-pieces aggressively and made their biggest opportunities count.
What happens next?
Hull can now approach their next Premier League assignment with three points, a clean sheet and considerable confidence.
Manchester United face a different challenge. Carrick must quickly address the set-piece problems and lack of cutting edge exposed at the MKM Stadium.
One match will not define either club’s season, but Hull’s first afternoon back in the Premier League will take some beating. Ajayi and Mendy supplied the goals, and the Tigers supplied the opening weekend with its first major upset.
