Hull City marked their return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence with a deserved 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Saturday, puncturing the optimism surrounding Michael Carrick’s side after last season’s revival.

The promoted side threatened United from the start and took the lead in the 17th minute when Semi Ajayi turned home a rebound after Oli McBurnie’s effort from a corner had been parried by goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Hull’s dominance at set-pieces paid off again seven minutes before halftime. Regan Slater curled a free kick into the area and Nobel Mendy rose high to power a header beyond Lammens and send the MKM Stadium into raptures.

United, who had never lost to a newly promoted side in a season opener, struggled to respond. Marcus Rashford, making his first appearance for the club since December 2024, showed flashes of promise as a second-half substitute, but Carrick’s team found it difficult to create clear chances.

United had arrived with high expectations. Carrick had galvanised a confidence-starved squad last season after replacing Ruben Amorim in January, leading them to a third-place finish.

Bryan Mbeumo had United’s best chance in the 78th minute, but his shot from a central area was saved by Konstantinos Tzolakis, who otherwise enjoyed a quiet afternoon as Hull’s defence comfortably kept the visitors at bay.