Manchester United will begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaign on Saturday afternoon when they travel to newly promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
Michael Carrick’s side finished third last season and return to the Champions League, while Hull secured promotion through the Championship playoffs to return to the top flight for the first time since 2016-17.
Match preview
Hull arrive in the Premier League after a dramatic route back to the top flight. Sergej Jakirovic’s side secured promotion through the Championship playoffs after finishing the regular season in the promotion picture, and the club have subsequently made 11 summer signings as they prepare for the step up. Nobel Mendy, signed from Rayo Vallecano, is among the most notable arrivals. Hull won two, drew two and lost one of their five pre-season friendlies, with their final warm-up ending in a goalless draw against Nice.
Manchester United, meanwhile, enter their first full season under Carrick after finishing third in the Premier League last term. The Red Devils have strengthened their midfield with the additions of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, while Carlos Baleba is also close to joining from Brighton. United’s pre-season included victories over Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid and draws against Paris Saint-Germain and Leeds United, although preparations ended with a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan.
United will also have Champions League football to contend with this season after securing a return to Europe’s premier competition. Carrick’s side will therefore be aiming for a strong start at Hull before hosting Ipswich Town in their first home league match of the campaign.
The historical record strongly favours the visitors. Hull have won only three of the 18 previous meetings between the clubs, while Manchester United have won 13. The last Premier League meeting at the MKM Stadium ended with a 1-0 United victory in August 2016, when Marcus Rashford scored a late winner.
Team News
Hull have significant injury problems ahead of their return to the Premier League. Eliot Matazo, Darko Gyabi, Jack Butland, Oscar Zambrano, Charlie Hughes, Joe Gelhardt and Hidemasa Morita are all ruled out, while Cody Drameh and Matty Jacob face late fitness tests. The absences leave Jakirovic with a number of selection decisions to make before his side’s first top-flight fixture.
Several of Hull’s summer signings are expected to make their competitive debuts. Konstantinos Tzolakis is set to start in goal, while Nobel Mendy could feature in central defence. Jens Hjerto-Dahl and Elliot Stroud are also in line for their first appearances, with Oli McBurnie expected to lead the attack after scoring 19 goals in all competitions last season.
Manchester United will be without Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte, while Mason Mount remains a doubt. Benjamin Sesko has returned to training following a shin injury and is expected to be involved in the squad, although a starting role is considered unlikely given his lack of pre-season minutes. Karl Darlow is also in contention to make his first United squad appearance.
Tielemans and Santos are expected to make their competitive debuts, while Bryan Mbeumo is set to operate through the middle. With Lisandro Martinez having had limited pre-season involvement, Ayden Heaven is expected to partner Harry Maguire in central defence.
Predicted Lineups
Hull City: Konstantinos Tzolakis; Lewie Coyle, Semi Ajayi, Nobel Mendy, Ryan Giles; Regan Slater, Lewis Crooks; Said Benrahma, Jens Hjerto-Dahl, Elliot Stroud; Oli McBurnie.
Manchester United: Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw; Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos; Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha; Bryan Mbeumo.
How to watch Hull City vs Manchester United
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Kick-off: 12:30pm BST
Venue: MKM Stadium, Hull
TV: TNT Sports 1
Streaming: HBO Max with TNT Sports
The match will be available on TNT Sports 1 in the UK, with streaming available through HBO Max for subscribers with the TNT Sports package.
What we say: Hull City 1-2 Manchester United
Hull’s return to the Premier League should provide an energetic atmosphere at the MKM Stadium, and their promotion campaign showed that Jakirovic has built a side capable of competing at a high level. However, their extensive injury list could make an already difficult opening fixture even more challenging.
United have considerably greater top-flight experience and possess more individual quality across the pitch. The expected midfield pairing of Tielemans and Santos will be making its competitive debut, but Fernandes, Cunha and Mbeumo give Carrick enough attacking quality to trouble Hull’s defence.
The hosts should have opportunities, particularly with home advantage, but United’s superior squad depth ought to prove decisive. Carrick’s side may not have everything their own way, but they should begin the campaign with three points.
Our prediction: Hull City 1-2 Manchester United.
Read more – Arsenal make flying start to title defence with Coventry win
Also see – Who Are Hull City? Meet Manchester United’s First Premier League Opponents
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