Nigeria international Semi Ajayi scored the opening goal as Hull City marked their return to the Premier League with a stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester United on Saturday.
The Tigers, back in the top flight after a nine-year absence, produced a confident and disciplined display to stun a Manchester United side that finished third last season.
The Super Eagles defender not only helped Hull keep a clean sheet against one of English football’s biggest clubs but also opened the scoring in the 17th minute.
Semi Ajayi has scored Hull City’s first Premier League goal in nine years. Photocredit: Getty Images
Hull had already threatened through Oliver McBurnie, whose header was brilliantly saved by Senne Lammens before the United goalkeeper again denied him from the resulting corner.
But after another corner, McBurnie’s effort was pushed onto the post and Ajayi reacted quickest to the rebound, firing into the middle of the net to send the home supporters into celebration.
United struggled to impose themselves despite opportunities for Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu, while Hull remained dangerous from set pieces.
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Their pressure produced a second goal in the 38th minute when Nobel Mendy rose highest to head Regan Slater’s freekick beyond Lammens, giving Hull a 2-0 lead at the break.
Michael Carrick responded by introducing Marcus Rashford at half time, but the change failed to transform United’s fortunes.
Hull’s defense remained organized and goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis produced another important save to deny Mbeumo in the second half.
Manchester united delivered 39 crosses at the MKM Stadium which is the most under Michael Carrick. PhotoCredit: Getty Images
United pushed forward in search of a comeback but could not find a way through, with Hull comfortably protecting their advantage through seven minutes of stoppage time.
Hull had returned to the Premier League with a victory over Manchester United, while Ajayi had written his name into the story with the opening goal.
Season that began with Champions League ambitions for Manchester United has started with an unexpected defeat against one of the league’s newly promoted sides.
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