HULL, England : Hull City marked their return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence with a deserved 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Saturday, puncturing the optimism surrounding Michael Carrick’s side after last season’s revival.
The promoted side threatened United from the outset and took the lead in the 17th minute when Semi Ajayi turned home a rebound after Oli McBurnie’s effort from a corner was parried by goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Hull’s dominance at set pieces paid off again seven minutes before halftime. Regan Slater curled a free kick into the area and Nobel Mendy rose highest to power a header beyond Lammens and send the MKM Stadium into raptures.
United, who had never lost to a newly promoted side in a season opener, struggled to respond. Marcus Rashford, making his first appearance for the club since December 2024, showed flashes of promise as a second-half substitute, but Carrick’s team found it difficult to create clear chances.
United had arrived with high expectations after Carrick galvanised a confidence-starved squad following his appointment in January, replacing Ruben Amorim and guiding the team to a third-place finish last season.
Bryan Mbeumo had United’s best chance in the 78th minute, but his shot from a central position was saved by Konstantinos Tzolakis, who otherwise enjoyed a quiet afternoon as Hull’s defence comfortably kept the visitors at bay.
