By Francis Onyach - Reporter
UK, 22 August 2026 - Hull City produced one of the biggest shocks of the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Premier League season, defeating Manchester United 2-0 at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.
The result was particularly remarkable because it came in Hull's first Premier League match since 2017. After a nine-year absence from England's top flight, the newly promoted Tigers celebrated their return by beating one of the country's biggest clubs in convincing fashion.
For Manchester United, meanwhile, it was a deeply disappointing beginning to Michael Carrick's first full season as permanent manager.
United struggled from the opening whistle as Hull immediately showed that they were not intimidated by their illustrious opponents.
The hosts took the lead in the 17th minute through centre-back Semi Ajayi.
Hull won a corner and Oliver McBurnie's effort was initially saved by United goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Ajayi reacted quickest to the rebound, turning the ball into the net and sending the home supporters into celebration.
The goal exposed an early weakness in United's defending, particularly when dealing with set pieces.
And Hull punished them again before the break.
In the 38th minute, another dangerous delivery from Regan Slater found Nobel Mendy, who headed the ball beyond Lammens to double Hull's advantage.
Both goals came from set-piece situations, highlighting one of the most worrying aspects of United's performance.
Manchester United fail to respond
United dominated possession after falling behind, eventually controlling around 72% of the ball, but their superiority in possession rarely translated into genuine opportunities. ESPN's match statistics recorded five shots on target for United compared with four for Hull.
The visitors struggled to break down a disciplined Hull defence.
Bryan Mbeumo came closest to providing a way back when his effort in the second half was saved by Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis. United also introduced Marcus Rashford after half-time in an attempt to inject more attacking energy.
But Hull remained composed.
Instead of retreating completely, Sergej Jakirović's side continued to defend aggressively and frustrate United's attack.
Carrick faces early questions
The defeat will inevitably raise questions about Manchester United's readiness for the new campaign.
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Carrick had ended last season on a high after guiding United to a third-place Premier League finish and Champions League qualification, creating considerable optimism around the club heading into the new season.
The summer recruitment was also designed to strengthen the squad, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans among the midfield additions.
Neither, however, was able to make the desired impact against Hull, with both eventually substituted.
United's problems were not simply tactical. Their lack of intensity, vulnerability at set pieces and inability to create consistent chances against a newly promoted opponent were particularly concerning.
For Carrick, the defeat is an early reminder that last season's revival does not automatically guarantee success this year.
A historic victory for Hull
For Hull City, this was far more than three points.
The Tigers had not played in the Premier League since the 2016/17 season, making Saturday's fixture their first top-flight match in almost a decade.
To mark their return by defeating Manchester United makes the occasion even more memorable.
It was also Hull's first league victory over United since 1974 and their first-ever Premier League victory against the Red Devils.
Manager Sergej Jakirović deserves enormous credit for the way his team approached the match.
Hull were aggressive without the ball, organised defensively and dangerous from set pieces. They also refused to allow United's greater individual quality to dictate the contest.
Manchester United will have to respond quickly.
One defeat does not define an entire Premier League campaign, but losing 2-0 to a newly promoted side will undoubtedly increase pressure on Carrick and his players.
United's next league fixture provides an immediate opportunity to recover, but the defensive issues exposed at Hull cannot simply be ignored.
For Hull, the situation is completely different.
They have started life back in the Premier League with three points, two goals and a clean sheet, while announcing themselves as a team that should not be underestimated.