Hull City Claim Historic Opening Game Win Against Manchester United

 

Hull City stunned Manchester United with a 2-0 victory on their Premier League opening game, nine seasons after relegating to the EFL Championship. 

Last season, the newly-promoted team finished in the top three of the second division, defeating Middlesbrough 1-0 in the play-off. They had been relegated since 2017. They eliminated United from the EFL Cup before relegating in the same season. 

United were unable to get the payback from the rivals, who scored twice within 18 minutes in the first half. Semi Ajayi struck in a loose ball inside the six-yard box before Nobel Mendy doubled the lead with a glancing header, following a free-kick in the 38th minute. 

The victory was Hull City's first in the Premier League against Manchester United. They played a goalless draw in their match in the winter of 2016/17 season, when the Tigers were knocked out. The victory was also Hull's first since the 2017, winning 2-0 against Watford on 34th matchday. 

Overview 

Manchester United were up against dedicated opponents, who capitalised on set pieces and aerial balls to establish their stronghold of the game. United's poor defending, allowed Hull the spaces to get into scoring positions. 

Mbeumo had a couple of incredible moments but Konstantinos Tzolakis was up to the task at keeping the balls out. Marcus Rashford was blocked out making burrowing through the left and Matheus Cunha was unable to impact the game. 

Assists and Chances

Mbeumo had United's best chance of the first half. He received a cross-pitch pass inside the box, failing to find the back of the net. Hull's first goal came off United's loose defense, allowing Ajayi to pounce on the loose ball. Nonetheless, Mendy's glance header was classic. 

Tzolakis' save of Patrick Mbeumo's second attempt was a great moment. The winger received a through pass, setting him up for a counter. He took the shot from inside the penalty area, but the goalkeeper saved the shot. That was United's closest chance to getting a goal after half an hour into the second half.