Semi Ajayi opened Hull City’s Premier League campaign in style, scoring the club’s first goal of the 2026/27 season as the newly promoted Tigers secured a stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.
The Nigerian international, who managed just one goal last season, made an instant impact as Hull marked their return to the Premier League after nine years in the Championship with a memorable victory.
Manchester United started brightly and came close to taking the lead in the 13th minute when Luke Shaw delivered an inviting cross towards the back post. Bryan Mbeumo connected with the ball, but his effort was saved by Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Hull responded with their first real attempt moments later, with Ryan Giles picking out Oli McBurnie inside the box. The striker’s header was heading towards goal, but Senne Lammens was equal to it.
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Giles then went close himself moments later when his attempted cross forced the Manchester United goalkeeper to tip the ball over the crossbar.
The Tigers eventually broke the deadlock in the 17th minute following a dangerous corner. McBurnie got on the end of the delivery but was denied by Lammens, with the rebound falling perfectly for Ajayi, who reacted quickly to fire into the roof of the net from close range.
Hull doubled their advantage in the 38th minute through another set-piece situation. Regan Slater delivered a pinpoint free-kick into the area, and debutant Nobel Mendy rose highest to power a bullet header past Lammens and make it 2-0.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick responded at halftime by introducing Marcus Rashford for Patrick Dorgu as the visitors looked for a way back into the contest.
Determined to get a goal, United dominated possession after the break and committed more players forward, but Hull’s disciplined defence stood firm.
Both Hull goalscorers were forced off in the 64th minute after picking up knocks, with Paddy McNair replacing Ajayi and Lucas Herrington coming on for Mendy.
Hull continued to threaten despite United’s pressure, with Cody Drameh going close in the 72nd minute when his effort narrowly missed the target. Five minutes later, Mbeumo had a chance to pull one back after being played through by Matheus Cunha, but Tzolakis once again made an important save.
Manchester United pushed forward in search of a late comeback, but Hull remained resolute at the back and protected their two-goal advantage until the final whistle, securing a memorable victory on their return to the top flight.
Sergej Jakirovic’s side will look to build on the impressive result when they travel to face Stoke City in the EFL Cup on Tuesday. Manchester United, meanwhile, will aim to respond when they host fellow newly promoted side Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 30.
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