By Daily MirrorUG Sports Desk
Newly promoted Hull City stunned Manchester United with a commanding 2-0 victory on Saturday, delivering one of the biggest shocks of the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
The Tigers, returning to England’s top flight, produced a disciplined and fearless performance at the MKM Stadium to condemn Michael Carrick’s Manchester United to a nightmare start to the new campaign.
Hull took control through set-piece situations, with Semi Ajayi opening the scoring before fellow defender Nobel Mendy doubled the advantage. Both goals exposed United’s vulnerability in defending dead-ball situations.
Despite enjoying significant possession, Manchester United struggled to turn their control of the ball into clear-cut opportunities. Hull remained compact, organised and dangerous on set pieces, frustrating United’s attacking players throughout the encounter.
Carrick attempted to change the momentum after the break, including introducing Marcus Rashford, who made his Premier League return after more than a year away. However, the England forward could not inspire United to a comeback as Hull comfortably protected their advantage.
The result represents a remarkable return to the Premier League for Hull, who had been widely regarded as one of the teams facing a difficult battle for survival following promotion.
For Manchester United, however, the defeat raises early questions about the team’s organisation, defensive resilience and ability to break down opponents using a deep defensive structure.
The loss also places immediate pressure on Carrick and his new-look squad, with United now needing a strong response in their next league fixture.
Hull’s victory, meanwhile, gives the newly promoted side an early boost of confidence and sends a warning to the rest of the Premier League that they will not simply be making up the numbers.
The Tigers’ 2-0 triumph was their first league victory over Manchester United since 1974 and one of the most memorable occasions in the club’s recent history.
For Daily MirrorUG, the message from Hull is clear: promotion has not brought fear — it has brought belief.
