Hull City secured a 2-0 victory over Manchester United on the opening weekend of the Premier League season following two first-half set-piece goals.
Defender Semi Ajayi opened the scoring for the host team in the 17th minute before Nobel Mendy doubled the lead 21 minutes later to hand manager Michael Carrick a losing start to the campaign.
Manchester United dominated possession, completed more passes, and logged more touches in the opposition penalty area throughout the contest, but failed to capitalize on their territorial advantage.
The match marked Hull City's first appearance in the Premier League in 10 years, returning to the top flight of English football after being relegated in 18th place a decade ago. That former squad featured players such as Harry Maguire, Jarrod Bowen, Andrew Robertson, Kamil Grosicki, and Dusan Kuciak. Manchester United had previously taken part in the Super Match in Wrocław prior to the league kickoff and entered the fixture as clear favourites.
First half goals from set pieces
Hull created early danger from dead-ball situations and took the lead when Regan Slater delivered a corner kick into the penalty area. John Egan headed the ball toward the far post for Oliver McBurnie to strike, forcing Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens to parry the ball onto the post before Ajayi pounced on the rebound to score.
The host team extended their advantage in the 38th minute when Slater curled in a free kick. Mendy ran between United defenders Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui to create confusion in the penalty box and headed past Lammens into the net.
Manchester United had opportunities before the break, beginning in the 14th minute when Bryan Mbeumo hit a half-volley that was saved by Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis. McBurnie almost added another for Hull a minute later, but Lammens produced a fine save to stop his header. In the 29th minute, Maguire played a pass to the far post, only for Patrick Dorgu to send his effort wide of the right post, while Mbeumo also attempted a spectacular overhead bicycle kick without success.
Manchester United pressure in second half
Carrick responded at the break by replacing Danish international Dorgu with Marcus Rashford after Dorgu struggled to make an impact during the opening 45 minutes.
Manchester United pushed Hull back into a defensive shape for long spells of the second half, though the hosts threatened on counter-attacks. Bruno Fernandes tested Tzolakis with a long-range shot in the 59th minute that went straight to the goalkeeper, before Shaw crossed for Mazraoui eight minutes later, who sent his effort wide.
Although the visiting side recorded 10 shots in the second half, few presented genuine danger. United's clearest opportunity fell to Mbeumo in the 78th minute, but he failed to convert a one-on-one chance against Tzolakis. Two minutes later, Carrick brought on Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot and 19-year-old Shea Lacey, who was making just his fourth Premier League appearance. Dalot was beaten by an opponent shortly after entering the pitch as United failed to alter the scoreline.
Upcoming Premier League fixtures
Manchester United will look to recover when they host another newly promoted side, Ipswich Town, on August 30 at 17:30. Hull City return to action on August 29 at 16:00 when they face Coventry City.
