Hull City stun Manchester United in historic Premier League opener
Newly promoted Hull City secured a 2-0 victory over Manchester United on the opening day of the 2026/27 season, while Brentford defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-0.
Manchester United’s title challenge began with a historic setback as newly promoted Hull City defeated the visitors 2-0 at MKM Stadium on the opening day of the 2026/27 Premier League season. The result marks the first time in the club’s history that they have lost an opening day match to a newly promoted side, a statistical anomaly given that United had won 10 of the previous 13 such encounters.
Hull City, returning to the top flight for the first time since 2017, took control early in the contest. Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy both scored in the first half to secure the victory, leaving Manchester United with a disappointing start to their campaign.
The defeat follows a 4-2 pre-season loss to AC Milan in Wroclaw earlier in the week, compounding concerns for a side that finished third in the previous season. Under manager Michael Carrick, United are expected to challenge for the title, yet the opening day result suggests a period of adjustment remains necessary for the squad.
Elsewhere in the opening day fixtures, Brentford delivered a commanding performance against Tottenham Hotspur. The Bees secured a 3-0 victory, a result that underscores the competitive depth of the league as the new season commences.
In transfer news, Crystal Palace striker Ismaila Sarr was left out of the squad after agreeing personal terms with Galatasaray. Despite the absence of a formal club-to-club agreement, Sarr has pushed for a move to the Turkish club.
The exclusion was a late development, as Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner indicated on Friday that Sarr was expected to play. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between player desire and club strategy in the current transfer window.
