Hull City stun Manchester United in Premier League opener
Newly-promoted Hull City began their Premier League campaign with a shock 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium. Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scored in the first half to secure a famous win, leaving United head coach Michael Carrick searching for answers after a lacklustre display.
- Competition: Premier League
- Result: Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
- Goals: Semi Ajayi 17, Nobel Mendy 38
- Venue: MKM Stadium
- Key fact: Hull's first Premier League victory over Manchester United
What was said
"Hull were outstanding, they defended really well and restricted Man Utd to very little, but you have to carry a threat at the top end of the pitch as well and Oli McBurnie was outstanding. He led the line, held the ball up, got his team free kicks when he had to and was a constant threat all afternoon. All round, really, really good from Hull City and if you go back to the start of last season, they started the Championship as favourites to go down under a transfer embargo and on the opening weekend of the Premier League, they have just beaten Man Utd. And that will be full crisis mode activated at Man Utd now after one game..."
"Some of it was OK, there's bits to improve on. It was never going to be perfect, but going behind and giving ourselves a lot to do makes it more difficult. It was a typical one of those games, with a newly-promoted team at home. You can't give them much, they've got a lot to hold on to. After that, we had moments and opportunities but we didn't have the spark to put the chances away or create any more. We're bitterly disappointed with the result, but we won't let it knock us."
"Same mistakes as we did last season, every away game we give too much of the ball to them. In the first 20 minutes, the goalkeeper was the one with the most touches. We needed to press more, be more aggressive, and then again we need to work on set-plays and not concede these type of goals. Against these types of teams, they are waiting for that moment. We knew before the game set-pieces would be a big part of their game. They played all pre-season with a back four but had a five against us for some height, for these moments. I understand the frustration. Every season that starts, we want to compete and go as forward as we can, winning every game. We need them on our side, like last season, believing in us. We know we need more from ourselves too."
"It was amazing, it capped off a great start that we had had. I was buzzing to get the goal that got us on our way. I didn't really care if any of us scored, there was no VAR check so I was buzzing that we got the goal. We're not focused on outside noise, we back ourselves to do well and hopefully we will have a really positive season."
Ajayi and Mendy strike as Hull stun United
Hull City, playing in the top flight for the first time since 2017, produced a confident and energetic performance to deservedly beat Manchester United. The Tigers were backed by a buoyant atmosphere at the MKM Stadium and took the lead in the 17th minute when Semi Ajayi capitalised on defensive issues to poke home from close range. It was no more than Hull deserved for their bright start.
Manchester United struggled to cope with Hull's intensity and found themselves further behind seven minutes before half-time. Nobel Mendy powered a header past Senne Lammens to double the lead, again exposing United's defensive frailties. Every time Hull went forward, United looked unsure at the back, and the pressure eventually told.
In the second half, Michael Carrick sent for Marcus Rashford, who made his first competitive appearance for United in 618 days. However, the England forward's introduction did not have the desired impact. United's only real chance of the second half came through Bryan Mbeumo, but his shot was well saved by goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis. In truth, United hardly laid a glove on Hull, who cruised to a memorable victory.
Talking points
- Hull's dream return: The Tigers marked their first Premier League game since 2017 with a stunning win over Manchester United, with goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy.
- United's defensive woes: Manchester United conceded from a close-range effort and a header, prompting fans to call for defensive reinforcements with around 10 days remaining in the transfer window.
- Carrick under early pressure: Despite a strong end to last season, Michael Carrick's side produced a lacklustre display, leading to questions about his future.
What happens next
Hull City will look to build on this historic victory as they continue their Premier League campaign. Manchester United, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to address their defensive issues before the transfer window closes. Both sides have fixtures ahead, with the Premier League schedule continuing.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score between Hull City and Manchester United?
Hull City won 2-0, with goals from Semi Ajayi (17) and Nobel Mendy (38).
When did Hull City last play in the Premier League before this season?
Hull City were playing in the top-flight for the first time since 2017.
Who made his first competitive appearance for Manchester United in 618 days?
Marcus Rashford came on as a half-time substitute for Dorgu, making his first competitive appearance for United in 618 days.
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