Hull City 2-0 Man Utd: Player ratings as Ajayi 8 and Mendy 8 stun United

Hull City stunned Manchester United 2-0 on their Premier League return, with Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy scoring as the hosts produced a disciplined and commanding display.

Hull City began their return to the Premier League in spectacular fashion, defeating Manchester United 2-0 at the MKM Stadium after two first-half goals settled a lively contest.

Semi Ajayi opened the scoring before Nobel Mendy doubled the advantage, while Hull’s disciplined defending and physical approach frustrated United throughout.

Michael Carrick’s side improved after the interval but struggled to turn their possession into clear-cut chances, leaving Hull to celebrate an impressive victory. Here is how the players rated on both sides.

Hull City Player Ratings

Konstantinos Tzolakis — 8/10: Produced a fine save to keep out Mbeumo’s effort and handled crosses confidently. Looked composed throughout an impressive top-flight debut.

Lewie Coyle — 7/10: His early delivery nearly created an opportunity for McBurnie. Provided attacking width and remained disciplined when United pushed forward.

Semi Ajayi — 9/10: A commanding performance. Reacted quickest to score Hull’s opener and combined his goal threat with a powerful defensive display.

John Egan — 8/10: Defended intelligently from the centre of Hull’s three-man defence and regularly stepped into midfield to support possession.

Ryan Giles — 7/10: Provided plenty of energy going forward while also showing the discipline required to recover and close down United’s attacking options.

Regan Slater — 7/10: His dangerous free-kick led to Hull’s second goal. Worked diligently in midfield and helped the hosts maintain their intensity.

Matt Crooks — 8/10: Won plenty of midfield duels and covered ground tirelessly. His physical presence was important in preventing United from establishing control.

Nobel Mendy — 8/10: Capped a confident debut with Hull’s second goal. Defended strongly, cleared danger effectively and looked comfortable against United’s attack.

Mohamed Belloumi — 8/10: Kept possession moving with accurate, uncomplicated passing. His composure helped Hull build attacks and maintain their momentum.

Oliver McBurnie — 8/10: Constantly occupied United’s defenders with his strength and movement. Did not score but played a major role in creating space for others.

Elliot Stroud — 7/10: Put an early challenge on Maguire behind him to deliver an energetic performance. Caused problems going forward before his substitution.

Hull City Substitutes

Paddy McNair — 6/10: Helped strengthen Hull’s defence after coming on and contributed to their successful effort to protect the two-goal lead.

Lucas Herrington — 6/10: Maintained his position effectively as Hull switched towards counter-attacking football in the closing stages.

Liam Millar — 6/10: Carried the ball forward during a promising counter but could not provide the final contribution required for a third goal.

Cody Drameh — 6/10: Produced a timely defensive challenge on Shaw to prevent a dangerous cross during United’s late pressure.

Matt Targett — 6/10: Arrived in the final minutes and helped Hull close out a memorable victory without conceding.

Manchester United Player Ratings

Senne Lammens — 7/10: Made several useful stops and denied McBurnie before Ajayi converted the rebound. One of United’s stronger performers.

Noussair Mazraoui — 6/10: Frequently moved inside but struggled to influence the attack. Found it difficult to contain Hull when they attacked down his side.

Harry Maguire — 6/10: Had a frustrating return to his former surroundings. Made some steady defensive contributions but could not lift United’s overall performance.

Ayden Heaven — 5/10: Had a difficult battle with McBurnie and was beaten physically in the move that produced Hull’s opener. Exposed by the hosts’ approach.

Luke Shaw — 6/10: Offered United an outlet on the flank and combined reasonably well in possession, although his defensive responsibilities proved demanding.

Andrey Santos — 5/10: Struggled to impose himself during his competitive debut. Hull’s midfield pressure made possession difficult and limited his influence.

Youri Tielemans — 5/10: Showed flashes of his passing quality but United’s repeated aerial balls played into Hull’s strengths. Never fully controlled the midfield.

Bryan Mbeumo — 5/10: Looked dangerous early, forcing a good save and seeing another attempt deflected. His threat diminished as Hull settled.

Bruno Fernandes — 5/10: Tried to make things happen but was unable to reproduce his usual attacking influence. Rarely found opportunities to test the goalkeeper.

Patrick Dorgu — 4/10: Reached useful attacking positions without producing the required final touch. His booking and ineffective display led to a half-time withdrawal.

Matheus Cunha — 5/10: Drifted away from the striker’s position too frequently, leaving United without a reliable focal point in the final third.

Man United Substitutes

Marcus Rashford — 6/10: Returned to competitive action and immediately looked willing to attack defenders. However, his pace produced little tangible end product.

Benjamin Sesko — 5/10: Added a stronger physical presence in attack but was unable to make enough of an impression against Hull’s well-organised defence.

Kobbie Mainoo — 5/10: Came on to improve United’s midfield but struggled to impose his passing or creativity during Hull’s disciplined defensive display.

Diogo Dalot — 5/10: Introduced during United’s late push but had little time to make a significant impact.

Shea Lacey — 5/10: Came on late as United searched for a way back but could not influence the result.