Newly-promoted Hull City delivered one of the opening weekend's biggest shocks, beating Manchester United with two first-half goals on their return to the Premier League.
Hull's standout performers
Semi Ajayi was the hero of the afternoon, smashing home a rebound to put Hull ahead — his first Premier League goal since January 2021, when he scored for West Brom against Wolves. He was commanding throughout at the back and earned a match-high rating of 9.
Goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis impressed on debut, producing an excellent one-handed save to turn away Bryan Mbeumo's angled drive and commanding his area with authority. Matt Crooks dominated the central midfield battle, while Nobel Mendy capped a fine all-round display with a debut goal, heading in after Regan Slater's superb curling free-kick invited him to attack the ball.
Mohamed Belloumi was calm and tidy throughout, rarely surrendering possession, and Oli McBurnie — though he did not find the net — was a constant menace who created space for his team-mates by drawing defenders towards him.
A difficult day for United
Manchester United struggled to cope with Hull's physicality and width. Ayden Heaven was outmuscled by McBurnie in the build-up to the opener and got into an argument with the forward at half-time, earning one of the day's lower ratings. Patrick Dorgu was taken off at the interval after a booking and an ineffective first half.
Bruno Fernandes tried but was well below his best, failing to work himself into meaningful shooting positions. Matheus Cunha started up front but repeatedly dropped into deeper areas, leaving United without a focal point in attack.
Senne Lammens was one of United's better performers despite conceding twice — he made two good saves and blocked a McBurnie effort, though he could not prevent Ajayi converting the rebound.
Marcus Rashford came on at half-time for his first Manchester United appearance since December 2024, immediately running at the Hull defence, but he could not unlock the promoted side's rearguard. Late introductions of Benjamin Sesko and Kobbie Mainoo also failed to change the contest.
Hull's opening-day victory sends an early statement to the rest of the Premier League — they will not simply make up the numbers this season.
