Hull, 22 August (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Semi Ajayi could hardly have asked for a better afternoon. A goal, a clean sheet and three points against Manchester United made the defender the standout performer as Hull City celebrated their Premier League return with a superb 2-0 victory at the MKM Stadium. Here are our Hull player ratings from an opening day few inside the ground will forget.
Ajayi gives Hull the perfect start
Hull were back in the Premier League after nine years away, but there were few signs of nerves once the game began.
The hosts went after United and were rewarded after 17 minutes. Oli McBurnie’s effort from a corner was parried by Senne Lammens and Ajayi was there to turn home the rebound.
Hull’s set-pieces caused problems again seven minutes before half-time. Regan Slater delivered the free-kick and Nobel Mendy climbed highest to power his header beyond Lammens.
It was enough to give Hull their first league victory over Manchester United in 52 years.
Hull player ratings against Manchester United
Konstantinos Tzolakis — 8
Had relatively little to do for long spells, which says plenty about the defenders in front of him. When Bryan Mbeumo finally found space late on, Tzolakis made the save. Reuters reported that he finished with five stops and a deserved clean sheet.
Lewie Coyle — 8
The captain led by example. Disciplined when United had the ball and determined whenever Hull had an opportunity to push forward. His leadership was obvious on a huge afternoon for the club.
Semi Ajayi — 9
The pick of the bunch. Ajayi reacted quickest for the opener and then went back to his day job, helping Hull keep United quiet. Strong, composed and difficult to beat, he looked completely at home on the Premier League stage.
Afterwards, Ajayi told TNT Sports he was “buzzing” to score the goal that put Hull on their way.
John Egan — 8
Nothing flashy was required. Egan read danger well, stayed organised and brought experience to the middle of Hull’s defence when United tried to build pressure.
Nobel Mendy — 9
A memorable Premier League afternoon for Hull’s record signing. His header for the second goal was emphatic and his work at the back was equally important.
Ryan Giles — 7
Energetic down the flank and prepared to get forward when the opportunity was there. He also did his share of defensive work as United dominated possession.
Regan Slater — 9
Two deliveries, two goals. Slater’s set-piece quality gave United problems all afternoon and ultimately helped decide the match.
Matt Crooks — 7
Did the less glamorous work well. Helped make the midfield difficult to play through and gave Hull the physical presence they needed.
Mohamed Belloumi — 7
Lively when Hull broke forward and willing to run at United. His energy fitted perfectly with the intensity of the home performance.
Elliot Stroud — 7
A hard-working display on a demanding afternoon. Stayed disciplined and played his part in ensuring United never found an easy route through Hull.
Oli McBurnie — 8
Made himself a nuisance from the opening minutes. His initial effort created Ajayi’s goal and his physical presence gave United’s defenders an uncomfortable afternoon.
United have possession but Hull have the answers
Manchester United finished with 72% possession, but that statistic told only part of the story.
Hull were sharper when it mattered. They defended their penalty area with conviction, attacked set-pieces aggressively and rarely allowed United to turn possession into clear opportunities.
Marcus Rashford returned for his first United appearance since December 2024 as a second-half substitute, but even his introduction could not change the direction of the match.
United captain Bruno Fernandes admitted afterwards that his side had failed to match Hull’s intensity and aggression, adding that the two set-pieces had cost them.
A statement victory on Hull’s Premier League return
For Hull, this was about much more than simply getting three early points.
Sergej Jakirovic’s players showed they are not returning to the Premier League simply to enjoy the occasion. Their defensive organisation, set-piece threat and willingness to compete for every ball gave United a miserable afternoon.
Coyle summed up the mood afterwards, telling TNT Sports that Hull were “not just here to make the numbers up”.
The Hull player ratings underline the collective nature of the win, but Ajayi deserves top billing. He scored the goal that started it all and then helped make sure United never found a way back.
What happens next?
Hull can move into their next fixture with three points already on the board and the confidence that comes from beating one of England’s biggest clubs.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have an immediate test of character after an opening-day defeat few expected. Carrick insisted the result would not change the club’s direction, while acknowledging there was plenty for his players to learn.
For Hull supporters, those concerns can wait. Their first Premier League afternoon in nine years ended with a clean sheet, a famous victory and the MKM Stadium celebrating long after the result was secure.
