HULL, England — Newly promoted Hull City marked their return to the Premier League with a shock 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.
Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute and Nobel Mendy added a second in the 38th minute, both goals coming from set-pieces. The Tigers held firm after the interval to secure a clean sheet and three points on the opening weekend.
Hull took the lead when a corner was not fully cleared. Ollie McBurnie’s effort was saved by Senne Lammens, who pushed the ball onto the post, and Ajayi reacted quickest to smash the rebound into the net from close range.
The second goal followed a similar pattern. Regan Slater delivered a free-kick into the box and Mendy rose to power a header past Lammens, doubling the advantage before half-time.
Manchester United dominated possession for long periods of the second half and created several opportunities, but they were unable to break down a resolute Hull defence. Goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis produced important saves, including a strong stop to deny Bryan Mbeumo, as the hosts protected their lead until the final whistle.
Hull’s organisation and effectiveness from set-pieces proved decisive. Manchester United controlled more of the ball and registered a higher number of shots, yet they lacked the clinical edge required to recover from the two-goal deficit.
The result gives Hull City a memorable start to life back in the top flight and leaves Manchester United with work to do after an unexpected opening-day defeat. Both teams now turn their attention to the next round of Premier League fixtures.