Hull City marked their return to the Premier League with a memorable 2-0 victory over Manchester United, securing their first top-flight win against the visitors.
United arrived at the MKM Stadium with optimism after finishing third last season and strengthening their squad during the summer. Instead, Michael Carrick’s side were outplayed by a newly promoted Hull team that made the most of their chances.
Two defenders delivered the goals for Sergej Jakirovic’s side.
Semi Ajayi opened the scoring after Oli McBurnie’s effort had been pushed onto the post by United goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The loose ball fell to Ajayi, who made no mistake with the finish.
Hull doubled their advantage before half-time through club-record signing Nobel Mendy. Regan Slater’s free-kick found the Senegal international, who powered a header beyond Lammens to mark his Premier League debut with a goal.
The result was even more significant given Hull’s journey since their previous Premier League appearance in 2017. The club subsequently dropped into League One before working their way back to the top flight and securing promotion through last season’s Championship play-offs.
Jakirovic’s side featured a mixture of established EFL players and summer recruits, with Mendy, goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and winger Elliot Stroud all making their Premier League debuts.
Slater, who joined Hull permanently after initially arriving on loan from Sheffield United during their League One campaign, supplied the delivery for Mendy’s goal.
Tzolakis also played his part, making five saves to preserve Hull’s clean sheet, including a late stop from Bryan Mbeumo as United searched unsuccessfully for a way back into the contest.
The victory was Hull’s first league win over United since 1974 and provided an immediate boost to a side widely tipped to struggle following promotion.
Jakirovic will be keen to keep expectations in check, particularly with injuries already affecting his squad, but Hull could hardly have asked for a better opening to their return to the Premier League.
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