Hull City marked their return to the Premier League with a stunning victory over Manchester United, with two first-half goals securing a famous win at the MKM Stadium.
Semi Ajayi was the standout performer on the day, earning a player rating of nine for a commanding display that combined defensive solidity with a crucial goal.
The centre-back smashed home a rebound to put Hull ahead, scoring his first Premier League goal since January 2021, when he netted for West Brom against Wolves.
Goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis impressed on his debut, producing an excellent one-handed save to turn away an angled drive from Bryan Mbeumo and commanding his area with confidence.
Regan Slater’s superb curling free-kick invited Nobel Mendy to attack it for Hull’s second goal, with the midfielder contributing to what was described as a really good midfield effort.
Mendy himself capped a fine debut display with a goal, also proving defensively sound and making the clearances when called upon throughout the contest.
Matt Crooks dominated the central midfield battle, described as industrious and encouraging while never letting his own standards slip, and even found the energy for a late charge downfield that forced Senne Lammens to clear.
Oli McBurnie caused Manchester United problems all afternoon and, although he did not score, the threat he posed created space for his team-mates to exploit across the pitch.
For Manchester United, it was a difficult afternoon, with Patrick Dorgu the lowest-rated visitor after struggling to find end product and picking up a booking before being substituted at half-time.
Marcus Rashford came on at the interval for his first Manchester United appearance since December 2024, immediately running at the Hull defence, but was unable to create anything of note.
Ayden Heaven endured a tough introduction to top-flight football, being outmuscled by McBurnie in the build-up to Hull’s opener and getting involved in an argument with the forward at half-time.
Bruno Fernandes tried hard but was far from his best, failing to get himself into shooting positions as Hull’s disciplined defensive structure kept United’s attacking players quiet throughout.
Ajayi was voted player of the match by BBC Sport users, earning an average rating of 8.54, ahead of Mendy on 8.50 and McBurnie on 8.42 in the final standings.
