Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi scored as newly promoted Hull City produced the first major shock of the Premier League season. The Hull Man United match saw them win 2-0 over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.
According to Sky Sports, Ajayi opened the scoring after 17 minutes before Nobel Mendy doubled Hull’s advantage in the 38th minute. This left Michael Carrick’s side with a mountain to climb before half-time.
Ajayi gives Hull dream start
Hull showed little fear against the Premier League giants despite entering the match as newly promoted outsiders.
The Tigers were rewarded in the 17th minute when Ajayi found the breakthrough. This gave the home supporters an early reason to celebrate their return to top-flight football.
United struggled to deal with Hull’s physical presence, particularly from set pieces, and were punished again before the interval.
Mendy doubled the hosts’ lead with a header in the 38th minute. As a result, Hull took a commanding 2-0 advantage into half-time.
United dominate but fail to score
Manchester United controlled possession for much of the match. They increased the pressure after the break as they attempted to rescue their opening fixture.
Carrick’s men finished with more than 70 per cent possession and registered 21 shots compared with Hull’s eight.
However, their dominance failed to produce the goal required to begin a comeback.
Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis made five saves as the home side defended their advantage. Meanwhile, United repeatedly struggled to turn possession around the penalty area into clear opportunities.
The visitors also recorded 40 touches inside Hull’s penalty area and created 19 chances. Even so, they could not find a way through.
Hull make history against United
The result gave Hull a memorable start to their first Premier League campaign since the 2016/17 season.
It also ended a lengthy wait for league success against Manchester United. The Tigers recorded their first league victory over the Red Devils since 1974.
Hull had secured promotion through the Championship play-offs last season. They entered the new campaign among the teams widely expected to face a battle for survival.
Their opening performance, however, delivered an immediate statement as they combined disciplined defending with clinical finishing.
Ajayi leads Nigerian impact
For Ajayi, the opening goal marked an impressive return to Premier League football. It ensured a Nigerian international played a central role in one of the opening weekend’s biggest results.
The centre-back was also heavily involved defensively as Hull resisted sustained United pressure throughout the second half.
Mendy joined him on the scoresheet to ensure both of Hull’s goals came from defenders.
Carrick faces early setback
The defeat represents a disappointing start for Carrick as Manchester United attempt to improve on their previous campaign.
United named Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and new midfield arrivals Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans in the starting side. Additionally, Marcus Rashford returned from the bench.
None could inspire a comeback.
Hull ultimately held firm through the closing stages to secure three points and a clean sheet. Meanwhile, United began their Premier League campaign with an unexpected defeat.
