Super Eagles of Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi scored the opening goal and helped Hull City keep a clean sheet as the newly promoted side shocked Manchester United with a 2-0 victory in their English Premier League (EPL) opening fixture at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.
Manchester United’s defeat by returning top-flight side Hull City headlined the results from Saturday’s EPL opening fixtures.
Michael Carrick’s side failed to impress as they made a disappointing start to the new season, with Nigerian international Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scoring the goals for Hull.
In the first EPL meeting between the two sides in the new season, Hull delivered a spirited performance, scoring twice in the first half against a lethargic Manchester United side.
The victory was Hull City’s first-ever against Manchester United in the EPL.
Ajayi put Hull ahead in the 17th minute with a close-range finish into an empty net after a knockdown from a corner fell into his path. It was the 32-year-old’s third EPL goal and his first in five years.
Hull doubled their advantage in the 38th minute when Mendy converted a free-kick delivery, leaving Manchester United with a mountain to climb.
The home side comfortably saw out the second half to secure a famous victory — their first against Manchester United in any competition in 52 years.
Manchester United, meanwhile, lost on the opening day for the first time since 2021 and suffered their first-ever EPL defeat against a newly promoted side in 13 matches.
