Newly promoted Hull City produced a stunning start to their Premier League campaign on Saturday, defeating Manchester United 2-0 at the MKM Stadium.

The victory marked a memorable return to England’s top flight for Hull, who secured promotion after a nine-year absence and immediately underlined their determination to compete at the highest level.

Hull took control of the contest in the first half and opened the scoring in the 17th minute through defender Semi Ajayi, who reacted quickest to a rebound after Oli McBurnie’s effort.

The hosts doubled their advantage 21 minutes later when Nobel Mendy headed home Regan Slater’s delivery from a set-piece, leaving Manchester United facing a two-goal deficit before the interval.

United dominated possession for much of the second half but struggled to turn their territorial advantage into clear scoring opportunities. Hull’s defence remained organised, while goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis made a crucial save from Bryan Mbeumo in the 78th minute to preserve the clean sheet.

Manchester United introduced Marcus Rashford at half-time in an attempt to change the course of the match, but the visitors were unable to find a way past a resolute Hull side.

The result gives Hull three points from their opening fixture and represents their first-ever Premier League victory over Manchester United. For United manager Michael Carrick, the defeat provides a disappointing start to a campaign in which the club had hoped to build on last season’s third-place finish.

Hull, meanwhile, will take considerable confidence from a performance that combined defensive discipline, effective set pieces and clinical finishing as they begin life back in the Premier League.