EPL: Ajayi Scores as Hull City Shock Man United 2-0

Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi scored as newly promoted Hull City stunned Manchester United 2-0 in a dominant Premier League season opener at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.

Ajayi struck in the 17th minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball following a Hull corner, giving the hosts the lead and sending the home crowd into wild celebrations.

Hull doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Senegalese defender Nobel Mendy powered a header past Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens from a well-delivered free-kick.

The victory marked Hull’s first Premier League win over Manchester United since 2017 and a memorable return to the top flight after nine years away.

The Tigers entered the game with 10 players unavailable due to injuries but produced an energetic and disciplined display that exposed United’s defensive weaknesses.

Manchester United, who finished third last season and are expected to challenge for the Premier League title, struggled to impose themselves after the opening exchanges.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha both tested Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis early in the match, but United failed to maintain their momentum.

Hull then took control after Ajayi’s opener, with United repeatedly struggling to deal with set pieces.

Manager Michael Carrick introduced Marcus Rashford at half-time in an attempt to revive his side, but the England forward was unable to make a decisive impact.

United also replaced Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos during the second half, but the changes failed to alter the outcome.

Former England captain Alan Shearer criticised United’s performance, describing the team as lacking hunger and calling their display “shocking”.

The defeat will increase pressure on Carrick, who is expected to lead United’s challenge for their first English league title since 2013.

Carrick has been pushing for further reinforcements, with United reportedly agreeing a deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

For Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic, the result provided a strong response to predictions that his side would struggle following promotion.