KINGSTON UPON HULL, England – Newly promoted Hull City marked their return to the English Premier League with a surprising 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The home side took the lead in the 17th minute when Nigerian international defender Semi Ajayi reacted fastest in the penalty area following a corner delivery, poking the ball past goalkeeper Senne Lammens from close range. Hull doubled their advantage in the 38th minute as defender Nobel Mendy rose above the defense to direct a header into the net from a set piece.
Okay News reports that Manchester United manager Michael Carrick introduced forward Marcus Rashford at the start of the second half, marking the player’s first competitive appearance for the club in 618 days, in an effort to inject attacking momentum into the lineup.
Despite dominating possession throughout the second half, Manchester United struggled to break down a compact Hull defense. The visitors generated their best opportunity in the 78th minute through winger Bryan Mbeumo, whose shot on goal was saved by goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis to preserve the clean sheet.
The result marks the first time Manchester United have lost an opening-day Premier League fixture to a newly promoted team, having previously gone unbeaten across 12 such matches. With the summer transfer window closing in ten days, the defeat increases pressure on the coaching staff to address defensive vulnerabilities before their next league fixture against Nottingham Forest.
