Semi Ajayi delivered a defender’s dream performance on Premier League returning day, scoring and shutting the door as Hull City stunned Manchester United.
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Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi earned the highest match rating as Hull City recorded a shock 2-0 win over Manchester United on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.
The result marks Hull City’s first ever Premier League victory over Manchester United, and their first league win over the Red Devils in any competition since 1974.
A Rock At The Back, A Poacher’s Finish Up Front
Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, pouncing on a loose ball after United’s defence failed to deal with a corner kick. Nobel Mendy doubled Hull’s lead in the 38th minute with a header from a well worked set piece, and the visitors held firm from there.
BBC Sport handed Ajayi a match rating of nine out of ten, the highest of any player on the pitch, praising his composure both in front of goal and in defence.
Part Of Hull’s Rise Back To The Top Flight
Ajayi’s goal was his first in the Premier League since January 2021, when he scored for West Bromwich Albion against Wolves. He played a central role in Hull City’s promotion campaign last season, helping the club win the Championship play-off final to secure a return to the Premier League for the first time in years.
📌 Did You Know?
- Hull City’s win ended a 52 year wait for a league victory over Manchester United, dating back to 1974.
- Ajayi previously played for West Bromwich Albion, where he scored his last Premier League goal before this one, in January 2021.
- He has represented Nigeria at senior international level, adding to a career built primarily in English football.
- Hull City’s promotion to the Premier League came via the Championship play-offs last season, with Ajayi a key figure throughout the campaign.
- Nobel Mendy, who scored Hull’s second goal, added to what was already a memorable day for the club’s new signings and squad.
