By Dorcas Francis Koji
Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has admitted he was not immediately certain that he had scored Hull City’s historic opening goal in their stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester United as the newly promoted side marked their return to the Premier League in style.
Ajayi reacted quickest in the 17th minute after Oli McBurnie’s effort was parried by the goalkeeper, stabbing home the rebound to hand Hull the lead at the MKM Stadium.
The goal was a landmark moment for the Tigers, ending an eight-year wait for a Premier League goal, with their last top-flight strike dating back to May 2017 when Sam Clucas scored against Tottenham Hotspur.
For Ajayi, it was also a personal milestone, marking his first Premier League goal since January 2021, when he found the net for West Bromwich Albion against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Nigerian defender revealed there was initial confusion over who had actually scored, as McBurnie celebrated believing his original effort had crossed the line.
“I’m not going to lie, I thought he scored as well, so we were celebrating and he asked, ‘Did you score?’ and I said, ‘I think so,’” Ajayi told TNT Sports.
“But I didn’t really care if it was either of us in the moment, but I was buzzing it was ultimately my goal.”
Ajayi said the strike crowned an impressive start from Hull, who had looked dangerous from the opening whistle before eventually making their dominance count.
“It was amazing, it capped off a really good start that we had,” he said.
“We had a couple of chances that we didn’t manage to take, but obviously that one got us in the lead and we had something to build on and I’m happy we went on to get the three points.”
Hull doubled their advantage before the break through Nobel Mendy, sealing a memorable win that sent their supporters into celebration.
The result also ended one of Manchester United’s long-standing records, as the Red Devils had never previously lost to a newly promoted side on the opening weekend of a Premier League season, having recorded nine wins and three draws in their previous 12 such encounters.
It was Hull’s first league victory over Manchester United since November 1974 and their maiden Premier League triumph against the Old Trafford club.
Ajayi and his teammates will now turn their attention to the League Cup, where Hull face Stoke City on Tuesday.
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