Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Hull City Stun Manchester United in Premier League Return
Hull City returned to the Premier League after being away for nine years.
It surprised Manchester United by winning 2-0.
Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scored for Hull before halftime.
Manchester United had trouble creating a strong performance.
Manager Michael Carrick said the team still needed to improve.
Everton also won, beating Crystal Palace 2-0.
Ipswich and Leeds also earned victories after scoring late goals.
Arsenal had already started its title defense with a 3-0 win over Coventry.
Hull City beat Manchester United 2-0 in its first Premier League match after a nine-year absence.
Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scored first-half goals from set pieces for Hull.
Manchester United struggled despite finishing third last season and adding new midfielders.
Everton defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 as Prime Minister Andy Burnham attended the match.
Ipswich beat Sunderland 2-1, while Leeds defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 with late winners.
- Who
- Hull City and Manchester United were the main teams involved; Everton, Crystal Palace, Ipswich, Sunderland, Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Arsenal and Coventry also played.
- What
- Hull City won 2-0 against Manchester United in the opening round of Premier League matches.
- When
- The match took place on Saturday, during the opening round of the season.
- Where
- Hull City played Manchester United at home; other matches were played at the listed clubs' stadiums.
- Why
- Hull's victory came from first-half set-piece goals by Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy; the result also highlighted Manchester United's continuing difficulties.
- Main result
- Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
- Hull scorers
- Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy
- Hull's return
- The club returned to the Premier League after a nine-year absence.
- Manchester United's previous season
- United finished third and secured a return to the Champions League.
- Everton result
- Everton defeated Crystal Palace 2-0.
- Other results
- Ipswich beat Sunderland 2-1, and Leeds beat Nottingham Forest 1-0.
- Arsenal result
- Arsenal beat Coventry 3-0 on Friday.