Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi condemns Manchester United to disastrous 148-year low

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi enjoyed a dream Premier League return as his early goal helped Hull City stun Manchester United 2-0 on the opening day of the 2026/27 campaign.

The Nigerian centre-back also kept a clean sheet as the Tigers produced the biggest shock so far of the opening weekend.

Hull announced their return to England's top flight in spectacular fashion, with Ajayi putting the hosts ahead after just 17 minutes.

The Nigerian defender found the breakthrough before Nobel Mendy doubled Hull's advantage before half-time, leaving Manchester United facing an uphill battle at the MKM Stadium.

Ajayi's contribution was particularly significant given his defensive responsibilities. The 32-year-old helped Hull keep United at bay in the second half before coming off in the 64th minute, completing a memorable afternoon by contributing at both ends of the pitch.

For Manchester United, the result represented a disastrous start to the new season and immediately raised questions about whether the Red Devils have done enough to challenge near the top of the Premier League.

The defeat delivered several unwanted records for Manchester United. It was the club's first back-to-back defeat on the opening day of a Premier League season since 1973.

Even more remarkably, the defeat marked the first time in Manchester United’s 148-year history that the Red Devils lost a top-flight league season opener against a newly promoted side.

Before Saturday's defeat, they had won 10 of their previous 13 such fixtures, with the other three ending in draws.

Hull, meanwhile, strengthened their reputation as one of the Premier League's strongest opening-day performers. Among clubs to have appeared in more than one Premier League campaign, the Tigers now boast the competition's highest win percentage on Matchday 1.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have plenty of work to do after an opening-day defeat that has cas the spotlight firmly on manager Michael Carrick.