Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy fire Hull City to stunning Man Utd victory

Hull City marked their return to the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United, with Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scoring in the first half to secure a deserved win for the newly promoted side.

The result gave Hull an impressive start to life back in the top flight after their promotion through the play-offs last season.

Hull had last been relegated from the Premier League in 2017 before suffering another setback three years later when they dropped into League One. Their climb back towards the top flight began in mid-2025, culminating in promotion last season.

Their first Premier League fixture after returning to the division brought an immediate test against Manchester United.

United handed a starting place to new signing Youri Tielemans, while Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford, who had returned from FC Barcelona, began the match among the substitutes.

Hull, however, showed little sign of being overawed by the occasion and quickly demonstrated their intention to compete at the highest level.

They took the lead after 17 minutes when United failed to properly clear a corner. The loose ball fell to defender Semi Ajayi, who was left with the simple task of turning it into the net.

Manchester United struggled to find a response as Hull continued to defend their advantage with determination.

The home supporters were celebrating again before half-time when Nobel Mendy doubled Hull’s lead.

The second goal came from a free-kick, with Mendy meeting the delivery and heading the ball beyond United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Michael Carrick responded at the interval by introducing Marcus Rashford as Manchester United looked for a way back into the match.

United enjoyed significant possession after the break, but their control of the ball did not lead to enough clear opportunities.

Hull remained a threat whenever they broke forward and created several openings that could have resulted in a third goal.

Carrick then attempted to increase his attacking options by replacing Andrey Santos with Benjamin Sesko, adding another striker as United searched for a way to reduce the deficit.

Hull’s defence remained organised, however, and continued to frustrate the visitors.

As the final minutes approached, the home side’s task became one of protecting their advantage. Sergey Jakirovic’s team held firm and completed the match without conceding.

The victory gave Hull a clean sheet and three points on their return to the Premier League, while Manchester United were left to reflect on a disappointing opening-day defeat at Kingston upon Hull.

United will have an opportunity to respond next week when they host fellow newly promoted side Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.

Hull’s next fixture comes on Tuesday, when they resume their League Cup campaign against Stoke City in the second round.