Hull City 2-0 Man Utd: Michael Carrick's side left stunned by newly-promoted Tigers in Premier League opener

22.08.2026, 16:42 skysports.com

A lacklustre Man Utd were left stunned as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Hull City in their Premier League season opener at the MKM Stadium.

There was plenty of optimism around United, who finished last season strongly under Michael Carrick, heading into the season, but that bubble was quickly burst in Hull as Semi Ajayi capitalised on defensive issues (17) to poke home the opener from close range.

In an interview before the game, Hull owner Acun Ilicali revelled in the fact everyone was writing his side off this season and backed by a buoyant atmosphere, the Tigers played with real confidence. Physically, Man Utd struggled to cope with the intensity Hull were playing at.

Every time Hull went forward, Man Utd looked unsure at the back, and the pressure eventually told again as Nobel Mendy powered a header past Senne Lammens to double the lead (38).

Carrick sent for Marcus Rashford for the second half - his first competitive appearance for United in 618 days - but the England forward's introduction didn't have the desired impact.

Man Utd's only real chance in the second half came through Bryan Mbeumo, but his shot was was well saved by goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.

In reality, United hardly laid a glove on Hull, who looked comfortable as they cruised to a victory that leaves Carrick already looking for answers, with Sky Sports readers calling for defensive reinforcements with around 10 days remaining in the transfer window.

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Clive228: Until Manchester United sign better defenders then they will not make progress. This obsession with signing midfielders and strikers when our defence is broken is ridiculous. We should be going all out and bringing in Quansah.

Tom: Michael Carrick won't last six months if this carries on.

Adam Probert: Hull have been unbelievable, but same old Man Utd.

Rambo741: Manchester United must splash the cash on a top central defender and full backs. That was awful.

GDM: The quality of defenders at Man Utd will cost Carrick his job this season.

Tom: I told you. False dawn for Man Utd. Embarrassing.

Dan: Different season, same story for Man Utd. Problems are never fixed at this club. Michael Carrick is already under massive pressure.

Ethan: Credit to Hull but as a United fan this story is a common theme. No backing in the window and then we struggle throughout the league against not as good teams. It is going to be a tough couple of months.

13: SAVE! Tzolakis is forced into action, pulling off a one-handed save to keep out Mbeumo's half-volley.

15: SAVE! With the game opening up, Lammens dives at full stretch to push away McBurnie's header.

17: GOAL! Lift-off for Hull on their Premier League return as Ajayi scores from close range to give them the lead.

38: GOAL! More defensive problems for Man Utd as Mendy's header doubles Hull's lead before the break.

46: SUB! Rashford replaces Dorgu at half time to make his first competitive appearance for United in 618 days.

78: SAVE! Man Utd's only real chance of the second half through Mbeumo on the break, but Tzolakis stands up to keep out the winger's shot.

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