Newly promoted Hull City produced one of the shocks of the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Premier League season, beating Manchester United 2-0 at the MKM Stadium on Saturday afternoon. First-half goals from defenders Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy gave the Tigers a famous victory on their return to the top flight after a nine-year absence.
Hull, who earned promotion via the Championship play-offs last season after finishing sixth, were widely expected to struggle against a United side that finished third in 2025-26 and returned to the Champions League under head coach Michael Carrick. Instead, Sergej Jakirovic's side delivered a disciplined, physical performance and punished United's set-piece frailties.
Match summary
The game was even in the opening stages before Hull took control from dead-ball situations. In the 17th minute, Regan Slater's corner was flicked on, Oli McBurnie's effort was pushed onto the post by United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and Ajayi reacted quickest to smash the rebound home.
Hull doubled their lead in the 38th minute. After Youri Tielemans conceded a free-kick, Slater whipped in another dangerous delivery and debutant Nobel Mendy, a club-record signing from Rayo Vallecano, powered a header past Lammens. It was Hull's first league victory over Manchester United since a Second Division meeting in 1974, and their first ever in the Premier League.
United dominated possession after the break, finishing with 72 percent overall, and introduced Marcus Rashford at half-time for his first competitive appearance since late 2024. Carrick also brought on Benjamin Sesko and others, but the visitors created little of genuine quality. Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis made several important saves, including a strong stop from Bryan Mbeumo, as the home defence held firm for a clean sheet.
Match statistics
Possession finished 28 percent for Hull and 72 percent for Manchester United. Hull managed eight shots with four on target, while United recorded 21 shots and five on target. Hull won one corner to United's six.
Standout performances
Ajayi was widely named man of the match for his goal and defensive contribution, including clearances, interceptions and recoveries, before being substituted. Mendy impressed on debut both in the air and at the back. Slater's delivery proved decisive for both goals. For United, Lammens made some good saves but the side as a whole looked short of intensity and ideas against a well-organised opponent.
Context and significance
The result marked unwanted history for Manchester United: their first opening-day league defeat to a newly promoted side. For Hull it was a perfect start after nine years away from the Premier League, their previous top-flight match having been a 7-1 home defeat to Tottenham in May 2017. The Tigers now sit among the early leaders on goal difference after Matchweek 1.
United will look to bounce back quickly, with the transfer window still open and questions already being asked about whether further reinforcements are needed. Hull, meanwhile, will hope this result provides belief and momentum as they fight to stay in the division.