Hull. Hull City marked their return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence with a deserved 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Saturday, denting the optimism surrounding Michael Carrick’s side following last season’s revival.
The promoted side threatened United from the start and took the lead in the 17th minute when Semi Ajayi turned in a rebound after goalkeeper Senne Lammens had parried Oli McBurnie’s effort from a corner.
Hull doubled their advantage seven minutes before half-time. Regan Slater curled a free-kick into the area and Nobel Mendy rose highest to power a header past Lammens, sending the MKM Stadium into raptures.
United, who had never lost to a newly promoted side in a season opener, struggled to respond. Marcus Rashford, making his first appearance for the club since December 2024, showed flashes of promise after coming on as a second-half substitute, but United struggled to create clear chances.
United had arrived with high expectations after Carrick galvanised the confidence-starved squad following his appointment to replace Ruben Amorim in January, guiding them to a third-place finish last season.
Bryan Mbeumo had United’s best chance in the 78th minute, but his shot from a central position was saved by Konstantinos Tzolakis, who otherwise enjoyed a quiet afternoon as Hull’s defence comfortably kept the visitors at bay.
