Peter Schmeichel praises Semi Ajayi after Hull City stun Manchester United

Peter Schmeichel has praised Nigeria international defender Semi Ajayi after Hull City defeated Manchester United 2-0 in the English Premier League, with the former Manchester United defender highlighting the centre-back’s role in keeping Marcus Cunha quiet.

Ajayi made a decisive contribution at both ends of the pitch as Hull City secured a two-goal victory. He became the first Hull City player to score in the English Premier League for nine years after reacting quickest inside the penalty area to put his side ahead.

The defender was involved again before half-time when the ball came off his head and fell into the path of his central defensive partner, Noble Mendy. Mendy finished the move to double Hull City’s advantage, giving the hosts a 2-0 lead at the interval.

Manchester United attempted to respond after the break, but Hull City’s defence held firm throughout the match. Ajayi helped organise a back line that prevented Manchester United from scoring and ensured the visitors were unable to turn the game around.

Schmeichel was impressed by the way Hull City defended, particularly by Ajayi’s contribution against Cunha. The former Manchester United player said the Nigeria international made Cunha’s threat appear far less significant than expected.

” You have to admire how Hull City defended with Ajayi ensuring that Cunha looked ordinary when he tried to threatened. They defended really well and credit must go to the players at the back, who were also decisive in the other box”, Schmeichel said after the game.

Ajayi’s performance earned widespread praise following the final whistle, with his influence evident in both penalty areas. His quick reaction produced Hull City’s opening goal, while his involvement in the build-up to Mendy’s strike helped establish the two-goal cushion that the team carried into half-time.

That advantage proved sufficient as Hull City’s defence maintained its concentration for the remainder of the contest. Manchester United’s efforts to find a way back were met by a well-marshalled defensive unit, with Ajayi at the centre of the resistance.

For Schmeichel, the display illustrated the importance of decisive defending as well as contributions in the opposition box. His assessment focused on the collective work of Hull City’s players at the back, while singling out Ajayi for the way he dealt with Cunha and helped shut Manchester United out.

The result also placed Ajayi in Hull City’s record books, ending a nine-year wait for a player from the club to score in the English Premier League. His goal and defensive performance combined to make him one of the key figures in the 2-0 win.