Hull City’s historic win

Hull City stunned Manchester United 2-0 at MKM Stadium on the opening weekend of the Premier League. The first-tier match for the Tigers since 2017 ended with goals from defender Nobel Mendy and Semi-Ajayi, giving Hull a 2-0 victory over the third-placed Red Devils.

Tactical masterclass by Jakirovic

Bosnian manager Sergej Jakirovic set up a back-five that neutralised United’s attack. Hull’s defence forced two United defenders to leave the field - Mendy and Ajayi - both injured in the second half. Despite United’s second-half introduction of Marcus Rashford, who was making his first appearance for the club since December 2024, Hull’s structure held firm.

Key performers

Nobel Mendy, Hull’s club-record signing, opened the scoring with a header and later finished a rebound from a Mbeumo effort. Semi-Ajayi added a close-range finish that was Hull’s first Premier League goal since May 21, 2017. Hull’s captain, Louis Coyle, delivered a superb cross that nearly set up a goal and was later substituted with an injury.

Defender John Egan proved a rock in the back, standing firm after Mendy and Ajayi were forced off. Midfielder Regan Slater provided a free-kick assist for Mendy’s goal and was relentless in his pressing. Ollie McBurnie, the play-off final hero, produced a high-energy performance, skipping past three United challenges in a second-half surge.

United’s struggles

Manchester United’s captain Bruno Fernandes admitted the team “gave too much of the ball” and needed to press harder. United’s second-half debutant Marcus Rashford was unable to influence the game, and the side’s set-piece defence was breached twice. United’s possession advantage of 72% did not translate into chances.

After the match

Hull will face Stoke City in the League Cup second round on Tuesday and then travel to Coventry on Saturday. Manchester United will look to regroup against Everton in the league next Sunday.

Quotes

Hull captain Louis Coyle praised the team’s character: “It’s a shock to people, but this team’s got something special in terms of character, resilience, and we know what we’re doing.”

United captain Bruno Fernandes reflected on the loss: “We need to press a little bit more, be more aggressive, and set-plays - we need to work on it, to be more aggressive and try not to concede these types of goals.”