Hull stun Manchester United 2-0 in Premier League opener

Hull City marked their return to the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United, their first league win against the club in 52 years. Goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy, both from set pieces, exposed United's defensive frailties and gave manager Sergej Jakirovic's side a dream start Source: cna.

The reaction

United manager Michael Carrick acknowledged the disappointment but urged perspective: "It is one game. First game of the season. It is disappointing enough, it hurts, of course it does. But it doesn't change the whole course of direction the team is going in" Source: cna. The Guardian, however, argues that while the defeat was painful, United's attacking output is a greater concern. Despite 72% possession and 21 shots, most were low-quality; 16 were worth less than 0.1 expected goals, and their open-play shots averaged just 0.087 expected goals Source: The Guardian.

Key points

• Hull took the lead in the 17th minute when Ajayi turned in a rebound after Oli McBurnie's effort was parried; Mendy headed in a free kick seven minutes before halftime Source: cna.
• Marcus Rashford made his first United appearance since December 2024 as a substitute, showing flashes but receiving little service Source: cna.
• United's best chance came in the 78th minute when Bryan Mbeumo was saved by Konstantinos Tzolakis Source: cna.
• Hull's manager Jakirovic used a back five, a system that has troubled United, who have won only one of their last six league matches against teams starting with a back three or five Source: The Guardian.

What's next

Carrick stressed the defeat won't alter the team's direction, while Hull's Jakirovic said the result proves his players are capable at this level Source: cna. United will look to bounce back in their next fixture.