Manchester United stunned by Hull City in Premier League opener

Manchester United began their 2026/2027 Premier League campaign with a disappointing 0-2 loss against promoted side Hull City. The match, held at the MKM Stadium in Hull, saw the visitors concede both goals from set-piece situations in the first half.

Hull City took the lead in the 17th minute when Semi Ajayi capitalized on Manchester United's failure to defend a corner. The home side doubled their advantage in the 38th minute through a free-kick, headed in by debutant Nobel Mendy past the United goalkeeper. This marked Hull City's first Premier League match since 2017, with many pundits predicting a difficult season for the newly promoted team.

The victory provides Hull City with a crucial three points on their return to the top flight. For Manchester United, the result is an early setback for manager Michael Carrick, who was appointed permanent boss in May. The team's defensive frailties, particularly in defending set pieces, were evident and will require immediate attention.

Finishing third last season, Manchester United now faces the challenge of quickly addressing these issues. The loss in their opening fixture raises questions about Carrick's ability to solidify the defense and prevent a repeat of such errors in subsequent matches.