Hull City marked their first Premier League (PL) match since 2017 with a stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester United, leaving the visitors stunned, particularly as the Tigers had last beaten the Red Devils in league action in 1974.
Given the teams’ differing aspirations this term, many would have expected the Red Devils to comfortably overcome their hosts.
That was far from the case, however, as Hull matched United early on. Shortly after Konstantinos Tzolakis denied Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, Oli McBurnie’s towering header forced a save from Senne Lammens.
Ryan Giles then saw his effort tipped over the crossbar, while McBurnie was denied again from the resulting corner, with Lammens tipping the ball onto the post. However, Semi Ajayi was perfectly placed to score the Tigers’ dream opener and spark rapturous celebrations.
With the visitors searching for an equaliser, Patrick Dorgu had two promising opportunities, being found by Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire, but he missed the target on both occasions.
Mbeumo then saw his acrobatic attempt deflected behind by debutant Nobel Mendy, who made his mark at the other end shortly afterwards by clinically guiding Regan Slater’s pinpoint free-kick delivery past Lammens.
Read Also: no-super-falcons-players-named-in-wafcon-2026-best-xi
John Egan then blocked a Fernandes attempt to ensure Hull went into the break with their deserved two-goal lead intact.
Michael Carrick responded by bringing Marcus Rashford on for Dorgu, but his side continued to struggle against a resolute Tigers defence, with Ayden Heaven’s header sailing harmlessly off target.
Hull also remained confident going forward, highlighted by McBurnie embarking on a mazy run and Mohamed Belloumi striking from range, with the effort eventually clearing the crossbar.
The Tigers were dealt further blows when Mendy and Lewie Coyle went off injured within seven minutes of each other, but they refused to falter, with Cody Drameh coming agonisingly close after replacing Coyle.
Tzolakis had little to do for much of the first half but did well to tip Mbeumo’s shot wide when called upon. With time running out, Maguire fired a speculative effort straight at him as Sergej Jakirović’s side sent a message to the Premier League on the day he became the first Bosnian to manage in the league.
Meanwhile, the result and accompanying performance will only raise further questions for Carrick, as United lost their Premier League opener in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1973.
