Manchester United begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaign away to newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday, with Michael Carrick's side looking to build on last season's third-place finish.
Hull return to the Premier League for the first time since 2016-17 after coming through the Championship playoffs. Sergej Jakirovic has overseen a major summer rebuild with 11 new signings, but the Tigers enter their opener with a lengthy injury list after winning two of five pre-season matches.
United have added Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow following their return to the Champions League. Their pre-season included wins over Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid and a draw with European champions PSG, although preparations ended with a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan.
Hull City vs Manchester United: Key Stats
Hull are playing their first Premier League match since the 2016-17 season
Manchester United finished third in the Premier League last season
United have won 15 of their previous 18 meetings with Hull in all competitions
Hull have seven players ruled out through injury ahead of the opening weekend
The last Premier League meeting between the sides finished 0-0 in February 2017
Photo Credit (Manchester united)
What to Expect
Hull should approach their Premier League return cautiously. With Eliot Matazo, Darko Gyabi, Jack Butland, Oscar Zambrano, Charlie Hughes, Joe Gelhardt and Hidemasa Morita unavailable, Jakirovic is likely to keep his side compact and use Oliver McBurnie as the focal point for direct attacks and set pieces.
Tielemans and Santos could make their Manchester United debuts together in midfield, allowing Bruno Fernandes to operate higher behind Bryan Mbeumo. Amad Diallo and Matheus Cunha should provide the width and movement around him, while Benjamin Sesko is unlikely to start after only recently returning from a shin injury.
United should control possession, but Hull's homecoming atmosphere could make the opening stages uncomfortable. The visitors will look to move the ball quickly enough to stretch a new-look Hull defence, while the hosts are likely to target transitions and dead-ball situations rather than compete with United for possession.
Predicted Lineups
Hull City (4-2-3-1)
Tzolakis; Coyle, Ajayi, Mendy, Giles; Slater, Crooks; Belloumi, Hjerto-Dahl, Stroud; McBurnie
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Tielemans, Santos; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
Players to Watch
Bruno Fernandes - United's main creative influence should benefit from Tielemans and Santos handling more of the build-up behind him. His passing between the lines could be decisive against a Hull side expected to defend deep.
Bryan Mbeumo - Expected to lead the attack with Sesko short of match fitness. His movement across the front line can pull Hull's centre-backs out of position and create space for Cunha and Amad.
Youri Tielemans - Could make his competitive United debut and brings greater control and passing range to Carrick's midfield. His ability to switch play quickly will be important against a compact defensive block.
Oliver McBurnie - Hull's most obvious attacking outlet. His physical presence gives the hosts a target when playing through United's press and makes him particularly dangerous from crosses and set pieces.
Prediction
Prediction: Manchester United -1.5 Asian Handicap @ 1.97
United have significantly more individual quality and face a Hull side entering their Premier League return without several first-team players. Carrick can field Fernandes, Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad together, while Tielemans and Santos should give the visitors enough midfield control to dominate possession.
Hull's home crowd could keep the contest competitive early on, but their lack of depth may become more obvious as the game develops. United should eventually create enough chances to make their superiority count, with a 2-0 away victory the preferred scoreline.
