Nigeria star Ajayi inspires Hull to shock Manchester United

Hull City marked their return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence with a stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Saturday afternoon, as Nigeria international Semi Ajayi helped the newly promoted side claim a major opening-day scalp.

Teams: Hull City v Manchester United Result: 2-0 Scorers: Semi Ajayi 17′, Nobel Mendy 38′

The defeat was a chastening start to Michael Carrick’s first full tenure as Manchester United manager. The Red Devils had been encouraged by last season’s third-place finish but were outplayed for long periods by a Hull side making its first appearance back in the top flight since 2017.

Manchester United had the first clear opportunity after 12 minutes. A cross from the left was not dealt with inside the penalty area and the ball dropped for Bryan Mbeumo, who struck a first-time effort towards goal. Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis reacted quickly to keep it out.

The hosts responded by increasing the pressure and came close again two minutes later. Oli McBurnie directed a precise header towards the near post, but Senne Lammens produced an emphatic save to deny him.

Hull’s positive start was rewarded in the 17th minute. Lammens managed to get a hand to an effort, but the ball came back off the post and fell kindly for Ajayi. The defender reacted fastest, stabbing the rebound into an unguarded net to give the Tigers the lead.

The visitors struggled to regain control and Hull doubled their advantage eight minutes before half-time. Regan Slater delivered an in-swinging free-kick into the area, where Nobel Mendy displayed impressive agility to get his head to the ball and guide it home. It was Mendy’s first goal on his debut.

Manchester United made a change at the interval after an underwhelming first half, with Patrick Dorgu making way for the returning Marcus Rashford.

Carrick’s side began the second period with greater urgency and almost reduced the deficit through Ayden Heaven. Bruno Fernandes supplied a pinpoint cross into the box, but Heaven’s header drifted wide.

Manchester United continued to show endeavour and created another opportunity soon afterwards. Luke Shaw’s delivery to the back post found Noussair Mazraoui, although the defender could not direct his header on target.

Hull were unable to recover their early momentum as the second half progressed, but Manchester United failed to convert their pressure into a goal. Late on, Matheus Cunha dropped deeper to receive the ball before threading a pass through to Mbeumo. He moved beyond his marker and cut inside, but Tzolakis stood firm to parry the shot away.

Despite sustained pressure from the Red Devils in the closing stages, Hull held on comfortably enough to begin their Premier League campaign with three points and a memorable victory over one of the division’s biggest clubs.

Hull’s next three fixtures are away to Coventry City, at home against Aston Villa and away to Chelsea.

Manchester United will host Ipswich Town in their next match before travelling to face Everton. Their third fixture is a home game against Manchester City.