Hull City marked their return to the Premier League after nine years away by beating Manchester United for the first time in the top flight, producing a shock victory that left their highly fancied visitors shell-shocked.
Sergej Jakirovic’s side, promoted through the play-offs last season, delivered an impressive performance at home to claim a 2-0 win, with defenders Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scoring the goals.
The result was a remarkable start to Hull’s first Premier League campaign since May 2017, when they ended their previous spell in the division with a 7-1 home defeat by Tottenham.
United had arrived in confident mood after finishing third under Michael Carrick at the end of the 2025-26 season. That position secured Champions League qualification, while the club had also strengthened its squad with several summer signings.
However, those expectations counted for little as Hull took control of a match in which their defensive players made the decisive contribution.
Ajayi opened the scoring after United goalkeeper Senne Lammens had tipped an initial effort from Oli McBurnie on to the post. The loose ball fell kindly for the Hull defender, who reacted quickly to lash the rebound into the net.
Mendy then doubled the advantage on his debut for the club. The defender, who is Hull’s club-record signing, met Regan Slater’s free-kick with a header and sent the home side further ahead.
The two goals completed an outstanding afternoon for Jakirovic’s team and ensured Hull began their Premier League return with a victory over one of the division’s most established clubs.
United struggled to turn their possession and attacking threat into clear chances. Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis was not required to make as many saves as might have been expected before kick-off, although he still produced five stops during the match.
His most important intervention came late in the game, when he prevented Bryan Mbeumo from reducing the deficit and preserved Hull’s clean sheet.
For Hull, the success was their first in the Premier League against Manchester United and a landmark moment in their return to the top flight. Their two goals came from defenders, while Tzolakis’ contribution at the other end ensured the promoted side completed a memorable opening performance without conceding.
United, by contrast, saw their optimism from the previous campaign and their summer recruitment fail to translate into a positive start. Carrick’s side now begin the season with a defeat, while Jakirovic’s Tigers can celebrate a statement victory on their long-awaited return to the Premier League.
