Hull City opened the Premier League season with a 2-0 win over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium, the first ever league victory for the Tigers against the Red Devils. The hosts took the lead in the 17th minute when Regan Slater’s left-wing cross was flicked on by John Egan and Oli McBurnie’s tight-angle shot rebounded off the post before sliding into the net for Semi Ajayi. The goal came after a corner that had been set up by a moment of indecision from Bryan Mbeumo in midfield, allowing Senne Lammens to tip the ball over the line.
Hull’s second came in the 38th minute when a free-kick whipped in by Slater was met by Nobel Mendy, who stole the ball in front of Luke Shaw and headed past goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis for a clean finish. The hosts’ set-piece prowess was on full display, with both goals coming from corners or free-kicks.
Manchester United’s new midfield partnership of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos struggled to find rhythm. Both were replaced in the second half by Matt Crooks and Slater, a £50,000 signing from Sheffield United in 2022, after United fell 2-0. The Red Devils were also forced to change tactics after a minor injury to Amad Diallo in training, moving Bryan Mbeumo back to the right flank.
United’s attack was fragmented. Matheus Cunha started at centre-forward but lacked the punch to break Hull’s defence, while Patrick Dorgu was replaced at half-time by Marcus Rashford, who wore the number nine shirt for his first competitive game since December 2024. Rashford was unable to alter the match, and United’s other substitutes - Benjamin Sesko, Kobbie Mainoo and Shea Lacey - failed to turn the tide.
Hull’s manager, Sergej Jakirovic, credited a tactical switch to a back-five for the result. He said the change was designed to counter Luke Shaw’s higher positioning and to disrupt United’s midfield flooding. Jakirovic also noted that Hull had identified a flaw in United’s set-piece routine, which they exploited.
The win was a historic moment for Hull, who entered the Premier League via the Championship play-offs in May and have spent just £70 million on 12 players this summer - the same amount United are paying for Carlos Baleba from Brighton. Eight of Hull’s line-up had played in the 2009 Championship play-off final against Middlesbrough, and several, including Joe Cole, had already warned that the club could face relegation.
United’s manager, Michael Carrick, described the result as “a jump” and said it was only one game. However, the defeat has raised questions about United’s title credentials, especially with the upcoming fixture against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford. Carrick’s record of only two defeats in 17 games since taking over in January has been called into question.
Hull fans celebrated the victory, with the matchday announcer teasing United supporters that two trains back to Manchester had been cancelled and that they would have to travel home in a taxi. The atmosphere at the MKM Stadium was electric, with Hull’s supporters reveling in their first Premier League win over a club that had been a title contender in the past.
United’s defensive frailties were exposed, particularly in set-piece situations, and the lack of a striker and defensive cover for Luke Shaw were highlighted as key issues. The result has prompted speculation that the new striker has yet to arrive and that Baleba’s arrival may come too late to influence the season’s start.
Hull’s victory remains a significant milestone, and the club will look to build on the momentum as they face the challenges of top-flight football.
