Manchester United endured a miserable start to the 2026 27 Premier League season as newly promoted Hull City claimed an impressive 2 0 victory at the KC Stadium.
Hull wasted little time making their presence felt on their return to England’s top division. Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, reacting strongly to a corner and firing the ball beyond the United defence.
The hosts extended their advantage in the 38th minute when Nobel Mendy connected with Regan Slater’s free kick and powered a header into the net. Both goals exposed United’s difficulties defending deliveries into the penalty area and gave Michael Carrick’s side a significant challenge before the interval.
Marcus Rashford was introduced at halftime after beginning the contest among the substitutes. The forward, who has returned following a loan spell with Barcelona, will wear Manchester United’s No. 9 shirt this season.
However, Rashford’s arrival failed to spark the comeback United desperately needed. Carrick’s team controlled periods of possession after the break but struggled to create enough clear chances to seriously trouble Hull.
The result was a memorable one for Sergej Jakirovic’s side, who earned promotion after finishing sixth in the Championship last season and eventually securing their Premier League place through victory at Wembley.
Hull midfielder Regan Slater described the result as a huge moment for everyone connected with the club and said the team had continued the momentum built during their promotion campaign.
For United, the defeat provides an early reminder of the scale of the rebuilding job ahead. The club have not lifted the Premier League trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in 2013.
Carrick insisted the opening result would not alter the club’s long term direction, although he acknowledged improvements are required.
United will now look for a response when they welcome another promoted team, Ipswich Town, to Old Trafford next weekend.
