Hull City secured a notable 2-0 victory over Manchester United on the opening day of the season at the MKM Stadium. Goals from center-backs Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy proved decisive, as the newly-promoted side controlled the match against a Manchester United team that struggled to find its rhythm. Megan Ashton MKN Stadium Mazes for his teammates.
Maze Lammens, the Hull goalkeeper, was rated 7, making key saves that kept United in the game during the early stages. However, the defense in front of him conceded goals from set pieces. Hull's defense, featuring Egan (7), Ajayi (8), and Mendy (7), was solid, with Ajayi and Mendy scoring the crucial goals. The midfield, including Slater (8), worked effectively to control the game's tempo. On the attacking front, McBurnie (7) was a constant threat.
Manchester United's performance was widely criticized, with manager Michael Carrick receiving a rating of 4. The team was tactically outmaneuvered, particularly against formations with a back five, a recurring issue noted by sources. Few tactical adjustments appeared to impact the game's flow, with blame directed at the coaching staff.
The United lineup saw Senne Lammens in goal (7), protected by a back line of Noussair Mazraoui (4), Harry Maguire (6), Ayden Heaven (4.5), and Luke Shaw (6). The midfield comprised Andrey Santos (4) and Youri Tielemans (4), with Bryan Mbeumo (4.5), Bruno Fernandes (5), and Patrick Dorgu (3) supporting the attack. Matheus Cunha (4.5) led the line.
Early in the match, Lammens made a save from Oli McBurnie's header and another from Ryan Giles. Despite these efforts, Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute from a set-piece. Nobel Mendy doubled Hull's lead in the 38th minute. Manchester United's offensive struggles were evident, with players like Bruno Fernandes appearing uncharacteristically ordinary. Patrick Dorgu was substituted at halftime after making minimal impact. Marcus Rashford (6), Kobbie Mainoo (6), and Benjamin Sesko (5) were introduced in the second half as substitutes.