Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi scored as newly promoted Hull City stunned Manchester United 2-0 in a dominant Premier League victory on Saturday.
Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball to give Hull the lead and send the home supporters into celebration.
The Tigers doubled their advantage through Senegalese defender Nobel Mendy, who powered home a header to leave United facing a difficult afternoon.
Despite being without 10 players due to injuries, Hull produced an energetic and disciplined display to secure a memorable victory on their return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
The defeat marked a disappointing start to the season for Manchester United, who are expected to challenge for the Premier League title after finishing third last campaign.
United struggled to create a meaningful response, with new midfield signings Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos failing to make an impact on their debuts after joining from Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively.
Manager Michael Carrick had previously dismissed suggestions that United had been handed an easy opening schedule, with the trip to Hull followed by a home fixture against another promoted side, Ipswich.
His concerns proved justified as United were outplayed by a Hull side many had tipped to struggle following promotion.
Former England captain Alan Shearer was scathing in his assessment of United’s performance.
“Man United have been shocking, no hunger, they’ve been terrible,” the BBC pundit said.
Carrick’s reputation grew during his interim spell last season, when he helped steady the club following Ruben Amorim’s turbulent tenure. However, his appointment as permanent manager has brought greater expectations, including the task of challenging for United’s first English league title since 2013.
United have already agreed a deal to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, but Saturday’s performance is likely to increase pressure on Carrick to strengthen his squad further.
Hull secured promotion last season after finishing sixth in the Championship and winning the play-offs, becoming the first sixth-placed side to achieve promotion through the play-offs since Blackpool in 2010.
Manager Sergej Jakirovic had urged his players to prove their critics wrong after several pundits predicted Hull would struggle in the Premier League.
They responded emphatically against United, claiming all three points in one of the opening weekend’s biggest shocks.
