Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has expressed his delight after scoring Hull City’s first goal on their sensational return to the Premier League, as the newly promoted side stunned Manchester United 2-0 at the MKM Stadium.
Ajayi struck in the 17th minute to give Hull the perfect start in their first Premier League campaign since 2016/17, before Nobel Mendy doubled the advantage before half-time. The victory gave Hull their first Premier League win over Manchester United and their first league victory against the Red Devils since 1974.
For Ajayi, the occasion was made even more special by finding the net in front of the home supporters.
“It was an amazing feeling to score,” Ajayi said.
“To score Hull City’s first goal back in the Premier League and to do it against Manchester United makes it even more special.”
The Nigerian defender reacted quickest after the ball fell loose in the area, poking it home to send the MKM Stadium into wild celebrations.
His goal also ended a remarkable run for Hull, who had failed to score in their previous 37 Premier League attempts against Manchester United. Ajayi’s strike was the club’s first Premier League goal against the Red Devils since Matty Fryatt scored in May 2014.
Hull had returned to the top flight after a nine-year absence, but few expected their first match to produce such a statement victory.
Manchester United dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Hull defence, while the home side proved ruthless from set-piece situations and punished the visitors twice before the break.
Ajayi said the result was a reflection of the work the team had put in behind the scenes rather than simply a case of United having a bad day.
“We focused on ourselves and what we needed to do,” he said.
“We knew we had to be disciplined, work hard and take our chances when they came.”
The Super Eagles defender also believes the victory can give Hull confidence as they prepare for the demands of a long Premier League campaign.
“It gives us a lot of belief,” Ajayi added.
“We know it’s going to be a tough season, but we have started in the best possible way, and we want to build on this.”
The victory was particularly significant because Hull became the first newly promoted side in Premier League history to defeat Manchester United on the opening day of a season.
For Ajayi, who has become an important part of Hull’s defence, the goal capped a memorable afternoon and immediately put his name among the heroes of the club’s long-awaited Premier League return.
But the Nigerian is already looking beyond the celebrations.
“We have to enjoy this, but then we have to focus on the next game,” he said.
“We want to have a positive season, and we know there is still a lot of work to do.”
After nine years away from England’s top flight, Hull City could hardly have imagined a more dramatic welcome back.
And for Semi Ajayi, it was a dream beginning — a goal against Manchester United, three points for Hull and a powerful early statement that the Tigers have returned to the Premier League to compete.
