Hull City certainly managed to support their manager Sergej Jakirovic's desire as they shocked Manchester United - and many neutral observers - with a 2-0 win on their return to the Premier League. The Tigers have been predicted by many to finish bottom, having only squeezed into the Premier League via last season's Championship play-offs. After finishing third in the previous campaign, United were again being tipped to finish at least in the Champions League places.
But Jakirovic's side claimed a memorable first league win over United since a Second Division success in 1974 thanks to first-half goals from Semi Ajayi and fellow defender Nobel Mendy - one of 11 summer signings and with more to come. After their first Premier League game in nine years - the last being a 7-1 defeat at home by Tottenham Hotspur in May 2017 - boss Jakirovic was asked about the club's doubters by BBC Sport. We are professionals," said the first person from Bosnia-Herzegovina to manage in the Premier League.
"We are trying to prove people wrong. I know there are 37 games to go but this is a good base for the future." Nigeria centre-back Ajayi, released by West Brom just over a year ago, added: "It's just one game, I don't think we've shut everyone up yet. "We are here to prove [something] to ourselves.
We aren't worried about the pressure from outside. We have to keep putting in performances like that and maybe people will stop sleeping on us." Hull stun Man Utd in dream Premier League return Man Utd 'didn't look ready' - but hurting Carrick remains calm Ajayi is rock at the back as Hull stun Man Utd - player ratings It is common for the team promoted via the play-offs to be the favourites for relegation as Hull are. But the manner of the Tigers' promotion made it even more stark as the numbers did not indicate an elite second-tier club.
Hull only squeezed into the play-offs on goal difference, overtaking Wrexham into sixth spot on the final day. They then became the first team to finish sixth and win the play-offs since Blackpool in 2010. Having beaten Millwall, they won the final 1-0 against Middlesbrough - whose place had only been confirmed three days before after semi-final opponents Southampton were expelled after being punished for spying.
They also gained promotion despite having the fifth-fewest shots and facing the third most shots in the division. Hull's achievement was made even more remarkable by the fact they had only avoided relegation on the final day - and on goal difference - in 2025. Five of the starting line-up against United played for the Tigers in that near-relegation season.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
