Hull City stun Manchester United to claim historic first Premier League win

Hull City beat Manchester United 2-0 on the opening weekend of the Premier League to record their first victory over the club in their history.

Simi Ajayi gave the newly promoted side the lead in the 17th minute before Noble Mendy doubled their advantage shortly before half-time. The result also marked Hull City’s first Premier League win of the 2026-27 season, moving them temporarily into second place behind Arsenal on goal difference.

Manchester United started Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, while Marcus Rashford was named among the substitutes. Rashford came on at the beginning of the second half to make his first Premier League appearance for the Red Devils since 7 December 2024.

Hull City had made the brighter start and came close to opening the scoring after 15 minutes. Oliver McBurnie met a cross with a header, but Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced a save to keep the effort out.

The hosts went ahead two minutes later. Lammens had denied an attempt from Hull City’s Eliot Stroud, but the rebound fell to Ajayi, who followed up to fire the ball into the net.

The goal was Hull City’s first in the Premier League since they scored in a 7-1 defeat by Tottenham in 2017. It was also Ajayi’s side’s first Premier League goal for nine years, according to the match statistics.

Manchester United tried to respond, with Mbeumo heading towards goal in the 32nd minute. However, the effort was comfortable for Hull City goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.

Hull City then extended their lead six minutes before the interval. Regan Slater delivered an accurate cross into the area and Noble Mendy met it with a header that beat Lammens.

Manchester United enjoyed most of the possession after the break but struggled to create clear opportunities. They recorded 13 shots during the second half, although only three were on target, and held 72% of the ball compared with Hull City’s 28%.

Hull City threatened to add a third goal in the 73rd minute when Mohamed Belloumi struck a powerful effort. Lammens reacted well to make the save and prevent a heavier defeat for Manchester United.

The victory was a landmark result for Hull City, who had never previously beaten Manchester United. It also ended a long-standing record for Manchester United on the opening weekend.

For the first time in their history, Manchester United have lost their opening league match of a season against a newly promoted team. Before this defeat, they had won 10 of their first 13 such matches, with the other three ending in draws.