Newly promoted Hull shock Man United in Premier League opener

The Premier League season opener delivered an immediate surprise: newly promoted Hull City deservedly defeated record champions Manchester United 2-0. It marks their first competitive win against the "Red Devils".

The "Tigers" entered the match as clear underdogs. Hull has only just returned to England's top flight as the third promoted team via the Championship playoffs and has by far the smallest budget of all 20 Premier League clubs.

Manchester United, however, entered the new season with high ambitions. After finishing third last year and returning to the Champions League, the positive development under coach Michael Carrick was supposed to continue.

Hull strike twice from set-pieces

However, there was initially little sign of a class difference. Hull even took the lead in the 17th minute. Following a corner, Oliver McBurnie got a shot away, which Senne Lammens in the United goal initially saved strongly, deflecting the ball onto the post. Against the rebound from centre-back Semi Ajayi, however, the Belgian was powerless – 1-0 for the promoted side (17').

United subsequently pushed for an equalizer. Patrick Dorgu missed the best opportunity, failing to convert the ball into the net after a low cross from Harry Maguire in the 29th minute.

Instead, the hosts extended their lead before the break. Again, a set-piece was the origin: Regan Slater delivered a free-kick precisely onto the head of Nobel Mendy, and the centre-back beat Lammens with a powerful bouncing shot for 2-0 (38').

United find no reply

Even after the break, the favorites struggled to create dangerous chances. Hull defended passionately and allowed little.

Instead, the promoted side even came close to a third goal. Substitute Cody Drameh took a shot in the 73rd minute, sending it just wide. Five minutes later, Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis made a strong save against Bryan Mbeumo (78').

In the closing stages, Hull confidently saw out their two-goal lead, ensuring a perfect start to the new Premier League season.

For the "Tigers", it is a remarkable success on their return to the top flight. Sergej Jakirovic's team last played in the top division in the 2016/17 season.

Manchester United, on the other hand, experienced a completely botched start and suffered a setback with the 0-2 defeat right at the beginning of the season.