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Hull Stuns Manchester United 2-0 in Dream Premier League Return

Sandy Verma | August 23, 2026 7:24 AM CST

Hull Stuns Manchester United 2-0 in Dream Premier League Return/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Hull celebrated its return to the Premier League after nine years by defeating Manchester United 2-0.
First-half set-piece goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy secured the upset against Michael Carrick’s team. Promoted Ipswich also won, while Everton and Leeds opened their seasons with victories.

Hull City’s Nobel Mendy, right, celebrates scoring during the English Premier League soccer match between Hull City and Manchester United in Kingston upon Hull, England, Saturday Aug. 22, 2026. (Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA via AP)

Center row from left, Britain’s Prime Minister Andy Burnham, his wife Marie-France van Heel and daughter Rosie attend the English Premier League soccer match between FC Everton and Crystal Palace in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)

Quick Look

Hull defeated Manchester United 2-0.
Hull was playing its first Premier League match in nine years.
Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scored from first-half set pieces.
United finished third last season and returned to the Champions League.
Michael Carrick was appointed permanent manager after serving on an interim basis.
Marcus Rashford returned from his Barcelona loan and entered at halftime.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham watched Everton beat Crystal Palace 2-0.
Ipswich defeated Sunderland 2-1 with a 90th-minute winner.
Leeds edged Nottingham Forest 1-0 through a late free kick.
Arsenal opened its title defense with a 3-0 victory over Coventry.

Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, left, and Hull City’s Oliver McBurnie in action during the English Premier League soccer match between Hull City and Manchester United in Kingston upon Hull, England, Saturday Aug. 22, 2026. (Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA via AP)

Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo, left, and Hull City’s Matt Crooks in action during the English Premier League soccer match between Hull City and Manchester United in Kingston upon Hull, England, Saturday Aug. 22, 2026. (Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA via AP)

Deep Look

Hull shocks Manchester United on Premier League return

Hull made a memorable return to the Premier League on Saturday, defeating Manchester United 2-0 after nine years outside England’s top division.

First-half goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy, both coming from set pieces, secured a major victory for a club promoted through the second-tier Championship playoffs last season.

Hull entered the new campaign widely viewed as a candidate for relegation, but its disciplined performance quickly undermined the optimism surrounding Manchester United before the season.

United struggles despite summer rebuilding

Manchester United finished third last season, earning a return to the Champions League. That performance also persuaded the club to give interim manager Michael Carrick a permanent contract.

United strengthened its midfield by adding Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Marcus Rashford also returned after spending time on loan at Barcelona.

Rashford entered Saturday’s match as a halftime substitute but was unable to change the result. Like many of his teammates, he struggled to make an impact during a lackluster team performance.

The defeat suggested that United, which last won the Premier League under Alex Ferguson in 2013, remains some distance from reclaiming its former position at the top of English soccer.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham watches Everton victory

Everton defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 in front of a prominent supporter.

Andy Burnham attended his first Everton match since becoming Britain’s prime minister last month. He watched Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry score for the home team.

Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr, who has been linked with a move away from Palace, was not included in the squad for Pierre Sage’s first match in charge.

Palace also lost Morocco defender Chadi Riad to an apparent serious knee injury. He was carried from the field on a stretcher.

Ipswich wins with late goal against Sunderland

Ipswich became another newly promoted club to open the season with a victory.

Jack Clarke scored in the 90th minute against his former club to give Ipswich a 2-1 win over Sunderland.

The result followed Hull’s upset of Manchester United, giving promoted teams two notable victories during the opening round.

Leeds beats Nottingham Forest

Leeds also needed a late goal to secure its first victory of the season.

Anton Stach converted a free kick in the 88th minute to give Leeds a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham prepares to face Brentford

Tottenham was scheduled to visit Brentford in Saturday’s late match after spending approximately $300 million, with further spending possible, on new players.

The game offered an early test of whether Tottenham’s major summer investment could produce immediate results.

Arsenal begins title defense with a win

Arsenal opened its Premier League title defense Friday with a 3-0 victory over Coventry, last season’s second-tier champion.

Manchester City will attempt to rebound Sunday against Bournemouth after suffering a 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield.

Liverpool also travels to Newcastle as the Premier League’s opening weekend continues.