Semi Ajayi has expressed his delight after scoring Hull City’s first Premier League goal of the 2026/27 season as the newly promoted Tigers stunned Manchester United 2-0 at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.
The Nigerian international struck in the 17th minute to give Hull the lead before debutant Nobel Mendy doubled their advantage in the first half, securing a memorable victory on the club’s return to the top flight after nine years in the Championship.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Ajayi described his goal as the perfect way to cap Hull’s impressive start to the match.
“It was amazing. It kind of capped off the really good start that we had. We had a couple of chances before that which we didn’t manage to put away, but obviously that one got us into the lead, and also gave us something to protect, but also build on,” Ajayi said.
More Read
The 32-year-old, who scored just once last season, was on hand to convert the rebound after Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens had denied Oli McBurnie from a corner.
Ajayi admitted he was particularly pleased to open Hull’s Premier League campaign with a goal and help the club secure all three points.
“I’m buzzing to get the goal to get us underway. I’m happy it left us getting three points,” he added.
Hull produced a disciplined defensive display after taking a two-goal lead, with goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis making several important saves as United pushed forward in search of a way back into the contest.
The victory saw Hull achieve a historic first Premier League win over Manchester United, while United suffered an unwanted record of their own.
The Red Devils had never previously lost their opening top-flight game of a season against a newly promoted side, but Hull ended that record in emphatic fashion.
Despite the magnitude of the result, Ajayi insisted Hull are not concerned about external expectations and will instead remain focused on their own dressing room.
“We’re not really focusing on outside noise. We’re just worried about what goes on in the changing room. We know what we’ve got in the changing room, we believe in ourselves, and we back ourselves to do our best every single day,” he said.
“So, more performances like this, and hopefully, we’ll have a really, really positive season.”
The Tigers will now look to build on their historic victory when they travel to face Stoke City in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, while Manchester United will seek a response when they host fellow newly promoted side Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 30.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
