Manchester United endured a nightmare start to the new Premier League season on Saturday as promoted Hull City produced a stunning 2-0 victory in their first top-flight match since 2017.
Sergej Jakirovic’s Hull side arrived at the MKM Stadium with almost every pundit expecting them to struggle. Former England international Joe Cole even suggested an immediate return to the Championship was inevitable. Instead, the Tigers responded in emphatic fashion, delivering a fully deserved victory that will live long in the memory.
United, meanwhile, looked nothing like a team that finished third last season. Hull’s togetherness, confidence and momentum from their unlikely promotion were evident from the opening whistle. Oli McBurnie nearly gave the hosts the lead in the fifth minute, only for a smart clearance to deny him. The striker soon went close again with a powerful header that Senne Lammens brilliantly kept out.
Manchester United briefly threatened when Bryan Mbeumo forced a fine save from debutant Konstantinos Tzolakis, but the visitors struggled to establish any sustained attacking pressure.
Hull finally broke through in the 17th minute following a corner. Regan Slater delivered a dangerous ball into the box, and after McBurnie’s effort was brilliantly pushed onto the far post by Lammens, Semi Ajayi reacted quickest to slam the rebound home.
The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy and gave Hull even greater belief. United struggled to respond, with Patrick Dorgu unable to provide the spark his team needed. Michael Carrick’s side lacked a focal point in attack, and Hull continued to look the more dangerous team.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 38th minute from another set piece. Youri Tielemans brought down Mohamed Belloumi just outside the penalty area, allowing Slater to step up and deliver a superb free-kick. Debutant Nobel Mendy rose above the United defense and headed the ball beyond Lammens to make it 2-0.
Hull received a standing ovation from their supporters at halftime, while Carrick was left searching for answers. The Manchester United manager, who was handed the permanent job in May, had warned that his team could face a difficult opening at East Yorkshire. Even he could not have expected such a meek performance from a side with ambitions of challenging near the top of the table.
Carrick attempted to change the game’s dynamics after halftime, introducing Marcus Rashford for his first competitive appearance for Manchester United in 618 days. Benjamin Sesko was also brought on as United searched for a way back into the match.
But Hull refused to retreat. McBurnie’s confident footwork during one counterattack demonstrated the hosts’ belief, while Belloumi tested Lammens with a rising effort shortly after the hour mark.
Mendy eventually limped off after his memorable goalscoring debut, but Hull continued to threaten. Substitute Cody Drameh fired narrowly wide as the Tigers looked for a third, while Mbeumo lifted another opportunity over the crossbar before forcing a further save from Tzolakis.
United even turned to former Hull defender Harry Maguire in their attempts to find a route back into the contest, but nothing worked.
Hull remained organized, energetic and fearless until the final whistle. For Jakirovic and his players, the result represents far more than three points. After being dismissed by pundits as almost certain relegation candidates, Hull have announced their Premier League return with one of the opening weekend’s biggest statements.
For Manchester United, the defeat raises immediate questions. Carrick now has plenty to consider after his team suffered their first-ever Premier League defeat to Hull. A season that began with hopes of building on last year’s third-place finish has instead started with a humiliating setback.
Hull, meanwhile, can celebrate one of the most memorable victories in the club’s recent history. The Tigers roared. Manchester United never truly responded.
