Hull City marked their return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence by shocking Manchester United and recording their first top-flight victory over the visitors.
Key takeaways
- Sergej Jakirovic’s promoted side produced a memorable home performance.
- Semi Ajayi opened the scoring after Senne Lammens had pushed Oli McBurnie’s shot against the post.
- Nobel Mendy headed home on his Hull debut to complete the victory.
- Konstantinos Tzolakis made five saves, including a late stop from Bryan Mbeumo.
- The match was Hull’s first Premier League fixture since their 7-1 defeat by Tottenham in May 2017.
Hull make dream Premier League comeback
Manchester United had entered the new campaign with considerable optimism. Michael Carrick had guided them to third place at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, securing Champions League qualification, while several summer arrivals had added to the belief around the club.
Instead, it was the Tigers who looked the more convincing team. Jakirovic’s men, who earned promotion by winning last season’s play-offs, impressed in front of their home supporters, with both of their goals coming from defenders.
Hull took the lead through Ajayi. McBurnie’s first attempt had been diverted on to the upright by United goalkeeper Lammens, but Ajayi reacted quickest and fired the rebound into the net.
Mendy seals historic win
The hosts then doubled their advantage through Mendy, the club’s record signing. Making his first appearance for Hull, the defender rose to meet Slater’s free-kick and headed beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal secured a landmark result in Hull’s first Premier League outing since Tottenham inflicted a 7-1 home defeat on them in May 2017.
Hull goalkeeper Tzolakis had fewer demands than he may have anticipated during the contest, although he still produced five saves. His most notable intervention came in the closing stages, when he denied Mbeumo and preserved the Tigers’ outstanding victory.
