Hull City marked their return to the Premier League with a memorable 2-0 success over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium, spoiling the Red Devils’ season opener in emphatic style.
The newly promoted hosts looked far from overawed as they struck twice from set pieces in the opening 45 minutes, with Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy both finding the net. Michael Carrick’s United side controlled the ball for long stretches but created little of substance against a disciplined Hull backline.
Hull nearly broke through in the 15th minute when Ryan Giles whipped a cross in from the left and found Oliver McBurnie, whose header was straight at United goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Lammens had to be alert again shortly afterwards, tipping a deflected Giles delivery over the bar.
United’s best moment of the first half came when Luke Shaw’s cross reached Bryan Mbeumo at the back post, but the forward could only steer his attempt too close to Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
The deadlock was broken in the 17th minute after Regan Slater delivered a dangerous corner to the back post. Lammens denied McBurnie with a save that sent the ball onto the woodwork, but Ajayi was on hand to slot home the rebound from close range.
Hull continued to look the more likely scorers, with Mbeumo firing an acrobatic effort over and Patrick Dorgu heading off target. The advantage was doubled three minutes before half-time when Belloumi won a free-kick with a piece of clever skill, and Slater again delivered an inviting cross. Nobel Mendy rose highest and powered his header into the bottom corner, giving Tzolakis no chance.
Marcus Rashford was introduced at the interval as United searched for a response, but Hull remained well organised. The visitors enjoyed 69.5% possession after the break, yet their dominance rarely translated into genuine chances.
Bruno Fernandes and Mbeumo both tried their luck from distance, while a Cunha effort was brilliantly blocked by John Egan. Hull might have sealed the contest in the 73rd minute when Cody Drameh dragged his shot narrowly wide after being released by McBurnie.
Tzolakis produced the best save of the match eight minutes later, denying Mbeumo after Cunha’s clever pass had sent him clean through. United pushed forward in the closing stages, with Fernandes seeing an effort deflected behind and Harry Maguire shooting straight at Tzolakis.
John Egan produced another crucial block in stoppage time to keep out Benjamin Sesko, ensuring Hull closed out a famous victory and condemned United to a miserable opening weekend.
Hull City secured a famous opening-day victory through two set-piece goals and a resolute defensive display, while Manchester United were left with plenty of questions to answer after a disjointed performance.
