Hull City marked their return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence by securing a historic victory over Manchester United, earning their first ever top-flight win against the club.
The Tigers, promoted through last season’s play-offs under Sergej Jakirovic, produced a memorable performance in front of their home supporters to stun a United side that had started the campaign with considerable optimism.
Manchester United had ended the 2025-26 season strongly under Michael Carrick, finishing third in the Premier League and securing qualification for the Champions League. Their confidence had also been boosted by several summer signings.
However, it was Hull who made the decisive impact, with two defenders scoring to give the newly promoted side a dream start to their first top-flight campaign since 2017.
Ajayi gives Hull the lead
Hull took control when Semi Ajayi reacted quickest after Oli McBurnie’s effort had been pushed on to the post by Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
McBurnie’s initial attempt appeared to have created an opportunity for the visitors to escape, but Lammens could only divert the ball against the woodwork. Ajayi was alert to the rebound and lashed the loose ball into the net to put Jakirovic’s side in front.
The goal gave Hull further belief as United struggled to impose themselves on the match. The hosts, playing their first Premier League fixture since a 7-1 home defeat by Tottenham in May 2017, continued to frustrate their high-profile opponents.
Their advantage was then doubled by Nobel Mendy, who marked his Hull debut in perfect fashion.
Mendy, the club-record signing, rose to meet a free-kick delivered by Regan Slater and headed the ball beyond Lammens. His goal completed a remarkable afternoon for the defender and strengthened Hull’s grip on a result that carried historic significance.
The Tigers’ back line had already made the difference at one end, and Mendy’s contribution ensured that Hull’s defenders accounted for both of their goals.
Manchester United were unable to find a way back into the contest, despite creating a late opportunity through Bryan Mbeumo. Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis was not called upon as often as might have been expected, but he made five saves in total, including a late stop to deny Mbeumo.
The result gives Hull an ideal beginning to life back in the Premier League and a landmark win against Manchester United. For United, the defeat is an early setback after an encouraging finish to the previous campaign and a summer of renewed expectations.
Jakirovic’s side, meanwhile, can celebrate a return to the top flight that began with one of the biggest possible statements: victory over a club aiming to compete in the Champions League.
