Hull City mark their Premier League return with a two-goal win over Manchester United

Hull City returned to the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United. The promoted club scored both goals before half-time at the MKM Stadium.

Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Nobel Mendy added a headed goal seven minutes before the interval on his competitive debut.

Ajayi reacted first after the goalkeeper’s save

Oli McBurnie struck a shot that Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens pushed onto the post. Ajayi followed the play and finished the loose ball. The first goal rewarded Hull’s direct start. The home side attacked the second ball instead of stopping after the original effort was saved.

Ajayi later left the field with a hamstring complaint. The goal remained the foundation of a result that Hull protected through the second half.

Mendy turned a free-kick into a debut goal

Regan Slater delivered a precise free-kick and Mendy headed it into the goal. The summer signing doubled Hull’s lead before Manchester United could settle. Mendy was one of three new players in the starting team. Eight starters had also represented Hull in the Championship, preserving much of the group that won promotion.

The defender later reported an adductor problem and was replaced. The club must assess both goalscorers before the next league match.

Hull protected the centre after the interval

Manchester United had more reason to push forward in the second half, but Hull kept enough players behind the ball and limited clear chances.

The home side did not need a third goal to prove control. It managed the score, cleared dangerous deliveries and avoided giving away an early route back into the match.

That discipline mattered for a promoted team facing an opponent with greater Premier League experience. Hull converted its first-half advantage into a confirmed clean sheet.

Manchester United could not change the match from the bench

Marcus Rashford made his first Premier League appearance for Manchester United since December 2024. His introduction did not produce a goal. The visitors began the season with a defeat after finishing third in the previous campaign. Their next review must separate finishing problems from the defensive actions that allowed Hull to take control.

One result does not decide a full season, but losing to a promoted side places immediate pressure on the next home match.

The victory carries historical value for Hull

Hull had spent nine years outside the Premier League. It also had not recorded a league win over Manchester United since 1974, when the clubs were in the old Second Division. Manager Sergej Jakirovic became the first Bosnian coach to win a Premier League match. His team combined new signings with the players who earned promotion.

The final score was 2-0.

Hull earned three points and Manchester United left the opening weekend without a goal.

Set pieces gave Hull a clear route to victory

Hull scored both goals before half-time and both began with dead-ball deliveries. Semi Ajayi reacted first after a corner, while Nobel Mendy attacked a free kick and headed in the second. The home side used direct service and strong movement instead of waiting for long periods of possession. Manchester United had time to respond after the break, but Hull protected the centre and kept the visitors away from simple finishes. The clean sheet was as important as the two goals. It showed that the promoted side could defend a lead under sustained Premier League pressure.

One result does not define the season, but the performance gave Hull three points and a reliable model. Strong set pieces, compact defending and quick support around the ball can remain useful even when future opponents control more possession.