Hull City produced one of the first major shocks of the new Premier League season on Saturday, defeating Manchester United 2-0 on their return to England's top flight.

First-half goals from Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi and summer signing Nobel Mendy secured all three points for Hull at the MKM Stadium, leaving Michael Carrick's Manchester United side with an opening-day defeat.

Hull, back in the Premier League after a nine-year absence, took the lead in the 17th minute.

Oli McBurnie's effort following a corner was saved by Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, but Ajayi reacted quickly to turn home the rebound.

The hosts doubled their advantage seven minutes before half-time.

Regan Slater delivered a free kick into the penalty area and Mendy rose above the United defence to head the ball past Lammens, giving Hull a 2-0 lead.

United controlled much of the possession but struggled to turn that dominance into clear scoring opportunities.

Sky Sports recorded Ajayi's opener in the 17th minute and Mendy's goal in the 38th, with Hull taking their two-goal advantage into the interval and successfully defending it throughout the second half.

Marcus Rashford was introduced at half-time in his first competitive Manchester United appearance since December 2024.

The England forward had spent time away from Old Trafford on loan but returned to Carrick's squad ahead of the new campaign.

His introduction failed to change the result, however, as Hull continued to frustrate United's attack.

Bryan Mbeumo had one of the visitors' best opportunities in the 78th minute, but Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis kept out his effort.

United had gone into the campaign with renewed expectations following their improved performances under Carrick last season.

Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January and guided the club to a third-place finish, securing Champions League qualification.

The club also strengthened its squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos among the new arrivals involved against Hull.

Saturday's performance nevertheless exposed familiar problems for United, particularly from set pieces. Both Hull goals originated from dead-ball situations.

Carrick acknowledged the disappointment after the match but cautioned against drawing sweeping conclusions from the opening fixture of a long season.

For Hull, the result represented a remarkable return to Premier League football.

Opta confirmed that the victory was Hull's first Premier League win over Manchester United, while Reuters noted it was their first league victory against the club in 52 years.

The Tigers had entered the match as the promoted side facing a Manchester United team expected to challenge near the top of the table, but Hull's intensity and effectiveness from set pieces proved decisive.

Manchester United will now look for a response when they host Ipswich Town in their next Premier League fixture on August 30.

Hull, meanwhile, leave the opening weekend with three points and one of the standout results of the new season.