Hull City’s squad celebrated a historic 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, marking their first Premier League triumph against the Old Trafford side.
Semi Ajayi and debutant Nobel Mendy both struck in the first half to send the hosts into a commanding position, securing a fully deserved opening-day win.
Ryan Giles collected the Man of the Match accolade following the match. Lewie Coyle, Ajayi, Regan Slater and Matt Crooks also shared their reflections on the memorable occasion with media outlets.
Coyle expressed his delight at the atmosphere generated by the supporters, suggesting the result exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. He acknowledged that while a 2-0 home victory against United would surprise many observers, the squad possesses distinctive qualities in terms of character and determination. Coyle emphasised that the team understands its identity and recognises opportunities to exploit on counter-attacks. He noted that producing such a performance represents the minimum requirement for competing against elite opposition, and praised his teammates for their efforts in achieving survival last term. In his pre-match address to the group, Coyle stressed that their objective extends beyond merely making up the numbers in the division, and he reflected on what a remarkable beginning this represents for the players.
Ajayi described the result as a perfect conclusion to a positive start, noting that although the team squandered several opportunities, the opening goal provided a foundation to build upon. He admitted he initially believed Oli McBurnie had scored before realising he had found the net himself, but clarified that the scorer mattered less than the outcome. Ajayi stressed that the squad remains unconcerned by external commentary and focuses instead on internal matters, expressing confidence in their ability to perform at the highest level throughout the campaign.
Slater declared the outcome significant, observing the evident passion among the partisan crowd. He reflected that while the League One campaign was disrupted by pandemic restrictions, the significance of this achievement resonates deeply with everyone connected to the club. Slater noted that the stadium atmosphere mirrored the energy from the end of the previous season, and he welcomed the opportunity to build momentum following a strong, consistent display. He acknowledged the pride of competing in the Premier League, particularly when glancing towards his family in the stands and reflecting on their contribution to his career.
Crooks revealed that his entire family hails from Manchester and has maintained season ticket holder status for over four decades. While acknowledging the personal significance of facing his hometown club, he prioritised the importance of a strong start to the top-flight campaign. He explained that the team frequently operated without extensive possession during their Championship season, so maintaining their tactical approach presented no concern. Crooks highlighted their defensive organisation, which sought to deny United space in central areas, while praising their clinical finishing in the opening period. He accepted responsibility for some second-half errors but underscored the collective determination to secure the full three points.
Giles termed the occasion brilliant and expressed satisfaction for everyone associated with the club. He hoped the performance would signal to the rest of the division that Hull arrived with serious intent rather than simply making up the numbers. While acknowledging the inherent difficulties ahead, Giles pointed to the squad’s strong core values of unity and resilience, expressing belief that maintaining these standards would enable them to compete effectively against numerous opponents throughout the season.