Hull stun Man Utd in dream Premier League return

Premier League Hull City 2 - 0 Manchester United FT Nobel Mendy was a summer signing from Rayo Vallecano for a record fee of more than £20m [Getty Images] Hull City stunned Manchester United on a dream return to the Premier League after nine years away with a first ever top-flight win against their shell-shocked visitors. United came into the season high on confidence after their end to the 2025-26 campaign under Michael Carrick, where they finished third to qualify for the Champions League, and some new summer signings. But it was Sergej Jakirovic's Tigers - promoted through the play-offs last season - who impressed on their home turf with two defenders on the scoresheet. Semi Ajayi gave them the lead when he lashed in after Oli McBurnie's initial effort was tipped on to the post by United keeper Senne Lammens. And fellow defender and club-record signing Nobel Mendy scored on his debut when he headed in from Regan Slater's free-kick to seal a superb success in their first Premier League game since a 7-1 home loss by Tottenham in May 2017. Tigers keeper Konstantinos Tzolakis was not as busy as he might have expected, but made five saves, including one to stop a Bryan Mbeumo effort late on. Have your say on Hull’s performance What did you make of Man Utd’s display? Hull City analysis: Tigers show tenacity and talent Since Hull were relegated from the Premier League in 2017, they have been down to League One and back before beating Middlesbrough 1-0 in the Championship play-off final to seal promotion last season. Their team was a mix of EFL stalwarts and new signings - with Senegal defender Mendy, Greece goalkeeper Tzolakis and Swedish winger Elliot Stroud making their debuts. That combination was best highlighted by the second goal in the 38th minute. Slater, who joined the club initially on loan from Sheffield United in League One - and only cost £50,000 when he signed permanently - swung in a ball for Mendy - a £20m-plus purchase from Rayo Vallecano - to power in a header past Lammens. That came after Nigeria international Ajayi - released by West Brom last summer after refusing to take a pay cut - had scored his side's first Premier League goal since Sam Clucas in that humbling defeat by Spurs. Jakirovic, the first manager in the Premier League from Bosnia-Herzegovina, will not let his Tigers get too carried away after being written off as relegation candidates by many on the eve of the campaign. But this was a promising start, especially from a team hit by several injuries. More to follow.