Hull City stun Manchester United as Semi Ajayi strikes on Premier League return

Newly promoted Hull City began their 2026-27 Premier League campaign with a statement victory, defeating Manchester United 2-0 at the KC Stadium as Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi scored in a dominant display.

Ajayi gave Hull the lead in the 17th minute, rising highest to meet a corner and heading beyond the United defence. The hosts doubled their advantage three minutes before half-time, with Nobel Mendy powering a header into the net from a free-kick delivered by Regan Slater.

Both goals highlighted Manchester United’s problems defending set pieces. Hull repeatedly caused uncertainty with their deliveries into the penalty area, while the visitors failed to deal with the aerial threat presented by the home side.

United improved after the break, but they were unable to create enough clear opportunities to put meaningful pressure on Hull. Their attack lacked sharpness and they never looked close to recovering from the two-goal deficit.

The result gives Michael Carrick plenty to consider after his first Premier League match as Manchester United’s permanent head coach. It also raises early questions about the club’s prospects for the new campaign, with the side producing an uninspiring performance at the start of a season carrying significant expectations.

There had been a sense of optimism around Old Trafford before kick-off after Marcus Rashford was unveiled with a new squad number. The forward has returned from a loan spell at Barcelona and will wear the number nine shirt this season.

However, Rashford began the match on the bench before being introduced at half-time. He was unable to change the outcome as United struggled to find a response, with several of their players failing to make a decisive impact.

The performance underlined the distance between Manchester United’s current position and the dominance the club once enjoyed. Their most recent Premier League title came in 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson.

For Hull, the win was an emphatic way to mark their return to the top flight. Sergej Jakirovic’s team finished sixth in the Championship last season before earning promotion at Wembley, following controversy surrounding Southampton’s absence from the play-offs.

Although there had been predictions that Hull might find life difficult against Premier League opposition, they produced a disciplined and confident performance against one of the division’s biggest clubs. Their organisation, effectiveness from dead-ball situations and ability to protect their lead secured a memorable opening-day result.

“We picked up where we left off,” Hull midfielder Regan Slater told TNTSportsafter the match.

The victory gives Hull an ideal start to their return to the Premier League, while Carrick’s Manchester United must regroup quickly.

United will have the chance to respond next weekend when they host another promoted side, Ipswich Town, at Old Trafford.