Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi made Premier League history on Saturday after scoring as newly promoted Hull City stunned Manchester United 2–0 in their opening match of the 2026/27 season.
Hull, returning to the Premier League after a nine-year absence, produced a disciplined performance at the MKM Stadium to secure one of the most eye-catching results of the opening weekend.
Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute after goalkeeper Senne Lammens parried Oli McBurnie’s effort from a corner.
The Nigerian defender reacted quickest to the rebound and fired Hull into the lead.
Hull punish United from set pieces
Manchester United struggled to deal with Hull’s set-piece threat throughout the match.
The hosts doubled their advantage seven minutes before half-time when Regan Slater delivered a free-kick into the box and Nobel Mendy rose to head the ball beyond Lammens.
Hull went into the interval with a 2–0 advantage.
United attempted to respond after the break but struggled to create clear opportunities against a well-organised Hull defence.
Bryan Mbeumo came closest for the visitors when his shot from a central position was saved by Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Rashford returns but United cannot recover
Marcus Rashford made his first Manchester United appearance since December 2024 after returning to the club following loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
The England forward was introduced in the second half but could not inspire United to overturn the deficit.
Manchester United’s attacking play remained ineffective, while Hull continued to defend with discipline.
The defeat also represented Hull’s first-ever Premier League victory over Manchester United.
Carrick faces early questions
The result represents a major setback for Michael Carrick, whose Manchester United side had entered the new season with renewed optimism after finishing third last season following his appointment.
United’s inability to deal with Hull’s set pieces and their lack of attacking threat will now provide Carrick with plenty to address.
The manager had previously warned that facing a newly promoted team away from home would not be straightforward, but the scale of Saturday’s defeat will nevertheless raise questions about United’s readiness for the new campaign.
For Hull, however, the afternoon could hardly have gone better.
A goal from Nigerian international Ajayi, another from Mendy and a disciplined defensive display gave the newly promoted side a memorable opening-day victory.