It was not at all obvious that Hull City would play in the Premier League this season. – They finished 6th in the Championship and were helped by the so-called “Spy-Gate” in the qualifying rounds. – Many predict that manager Sergej Jakirović will lead the club back down to the Championship by finishing last or second to last in the Premier League.
Saturday’s game also marks the start of what will be Michael Carrick’s first full season as Manchester United manager.
Read: Atlético Madrid agrees with Arsenal, but Julian Álvarez wants to go to Barcelona
In our Live service you can get highlights and after the match all the statistics you want.
Premier League | Round 1
Saturday 22 August 2026 | 13:30
MKM Stadium, Hull
Referee: D. England
Content
- Preview
- Team news
- Predicted starting line-ups
- Form and statistics
- Divination
Preview: Hull City – Manchester United
Manchester United open the 2026/27 Premier League season with an away game against newly promoted Hull City. The Tigers are back in the top flight for the first time since 2016/17 – while United, who finished third last season, are also back in the Champions League.
Hull have strengthened their roster with 11 new players this summer, with Nobel Mendy from Rayo Vallecano being among the most high-profile. Still, the record against United is frightening: Hull have only won three of the last 18 meetings between the teams in all competitions.
United’s pre-season has been mixed. Michael Carrick’s men beat Rosenborg, Atlético Madrid and Leeds, drew against PSG – but ended with a heavy 4-2 loss to AC Milan.
Carrick has reinforced with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow, and Carlos Baleba is also expected to arrive before the window closes.
Team news
Hull City have a long injury list: Eliot Matazo, Darko Gyabi, Jack Butland, Oscar Zambrano, Charlie Hughes, Joe Gelhardt and Hidemasa Morita are all out. Cody Drameh and Matty Jacob must be tested before the game.
Manchester United will have to do without Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte, while Mason Mount is a doubt. Benjamin Šeško is back in training, but is unlikely to start after missing the entire pre-season. Karl Darlow could make his United debut and both Tielemans and Santos are expected to start.
Lisandro Martínez’s lack of game time could mean Ayden Heaven will start alongside Harry Maguire in central defence.
Predicted starting line-ups
Hull City (4-3-3):
Tzolakis – Coyle, Ajayi, Mendy, Giles – Slater, Crooks – Belloumi, Hjertø-Dahl, Stroud – McBurnie
Manchester United (4-2-3-1):
Lammens – Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw – Tielemans, Santos – Amad, Fernandes, Cunha – Mbeumo
Official line-ups are usually announced 20-40 minutes before kick-off.
Form and statistics
- Hull are back in the Premier League for the first time since 2016/17
- Hull have won just three of their last 18 meetings with United
- Last time the teams met in the Premier League: 0-0 in February 2017
- Hull pre-season: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss
- United’s pre-season: 3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses (including 5-0 over Rosenborg)
Our Prediction
Hull City’s return to the Premier League will be a tough test for Manchester United, especially with the home crowd behind them. But Manchester United’s experience and offensive quality should weigh heavier.
Tips: Hull City 1-2 Manchester United
Read on F7: Belgian car salesman became prince – after royal father recognized him
