“Amazing” was how Semi Ajayi described the occasion after Hull City ended a nine-year wait for a Premier League victory over Manchester United, beating Michael Carrick’s team 2-0 at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.
The Nigeria international broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, scoring Hull’s first goal in the top flight since 2016. His finish ignited extraordinary celebrations and gave the Tigers the platform for a memorable win.
Hull took the lead after a chaotic corner. Senne Lammens denied Oli McBurnie’s initial header, but the loose ball dropped kindly for Ajayi, who reacted instantly to steer it into the net with his next touch.
The goal released nine years of pent-up frustration around the stadium. United were visibly unsettled, while Hull sensed an opportunity to press home their advantage. Seven minutes before the interval, Nobel Mendy doubled the lead with a powerful strike, sending the home supporters into half-time convinced that a statement result was within reach.
Carrick’s players tried to respond after the restart, yet Hull’s back line held firm. Ajayi was at the heart of a commanding defensive display, with each block greeted loudly by the crowd and every clearance carrying the feel of another goal.
For Ajayi, however, his opener represented more than the foundation of a three-point victory. It provided confidence and a sense that Hull could build something significant from the result.
“It really completed the excellent opening we had,” Ajayi told TNT Sports. “We created a few opportunities before then but failed to take them, whereas that finish put us in front and also gave us something…”
