Nigeria international defender Semi Ajayi marked Hull City’s return to the Premier League in memorable fashion, scoring as the newly promoted side stunned Manchester United 2 0 at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.

Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Nobel Mendy doubled Hull’s advantage in the 38th minute, giving the Tigers a dream start to their first Premier League campaign since 2017. Blueprint reports

The victory was Hull’s first league win over Manchester United in 52 years and their first ever Premier League victory against the Red Devils.

Ajayi breaks the deadlock

Hull took the lead after United failed to deal with a corner. Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens initially saved Oli McBurnie’s effort, but Ajayi reacted quickest to fire home from close range.

The goal made the Nigerian the first Hull player to score a Premier League goal against Manchester United since Matty Fryatt in 2014.

It was also a landmark moment for Ajayi, who began his professional career in England and previously spent time with Arsenal, Cardiff City, AFC Wimbledon, Crewe Alexandra, Rotherham United and West Bromwich Albion before joining Hull.

The 32 year old defender has been a regular for Nigeria and brought his experience to the Hull defence as the Tigers made their long awaited return to England’s top flight.

Mendy doubles Hull’s advantage

Hull continued to trouble United from set pieces and were rewarded again seven minutes before half time.

Regan Slater delivered a dangerous free kick into the box, with debutant Mendy rising highest to head the ball beyond Lammens and give the hosts a 2 0 lead.

The two goals gave Hull a commanding advantage at the interval and left United facing an uphill task in their first league game of the new campaign.

Manchester United dominated possession after the break but struggled to create clear opportunities against a well organised Hull defence.

Manager Michael Carrick introduced Marcus Rashford in the second half, but the England forward could not inspire a comeback as Hull held firm to secure all three points.

Dream return for Hull

The result marked an extraordinary return to the Premier League for Hull, who had been away from the top flight since 2017.

The Tigers had secured promotion through the Championship play offs last season after finishing sixth in the second tier before defeating Middlesbrough in the final.

Despite being regarded by many as relegation candidates before the campaign, Hull produced a disciplined performance against a Manchester United side that finished third in the Premier League last season.

Manager Sergej Jakirovic’s side defended resolutely, threatened United from set pieces and took full advantage of the opportunities that came their way.

Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis also produced an important late save as the hosts preserved their clean sheet.

A setback for Manchester United

For Manchester United, the defeat represents a disappointing beginning to Carrick’s first full season as permanent manager.

United enjoyed 71.6 per cent possession but were unable to turn their control of the ball into goals, while Hull made the most of their opportunities.

It was also the first time Manchester United had lost their opening Premier League match to a newly promoted side.

The result will raise early questions about United’s readiness for a season in which expectations are high following their third place finish last term.

For Ajayi and Hull, however, the afternoon could hardly have been better.

A goal from the Nigerian international, a clean sheet and three points against one of English football’s biggest clubs have given the Tigers a statement start to their Premier League comeback.

And for Ajayi, scoring Hull’s first Premier League goal in nine years makes his return to the top flight an especially memorable one.