Newly promoted Hull City marked their return to the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, delivering the first major upset of the English season. Defenders Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scored in the first half as Hull secured three points in their first top-flight match since 2017, while Michael Carrick's United opened the 2026-27 campaign without a goal or a point.
Ajayi put Hull ahead in the 17th minute after Regan Slater's corner created confusion in the United penalty area. Oli McBurnie met the delivery at the far post and goalkeeper Senne Lammens kept out the initial effort, but Ajayi converted the loose ball. Sky Sports and AS reported that Hull's direct play and intensity unsettled a visiting side that struggled to turn possession into clear chances.
Hull doubled the advantage in the 38th minute from another Slater set piece. Mendy attacked the midfielder's free-kick and directed a powerful header beyond Lammens, giving the home side a two-goal lead before halftime. United had threatened earlier when Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis denied Bryan Mbeumo, but the visitors produced only three shots on target across the match, according to AS.
Carrick introduced Marcus Rashford after the interval as United attempted to recover, yet Hull protected the lead with an organized defensive display. The Guardian reported that the hosts also carried a threat on the break, with Mohamed Belloumi and Cody Drameh coming closer to adding a third than United came to changing the outcome. Hull therefore recorded their first league victory over Manchester United since 1974 and their first against them in the Premier League era.
The result gives Hull an immediate lift in a season expected to test their ability to remain in the top division. It also puts early scrutiny on United, who finished third last season and returned to the Champions League under Carrick but now begin the new domestic campaign with a damaging defeat. Hull next visit fellow promoted side Coventry City, while Manchester United are due to host Ipswich Town in the second round of league fixtures.
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