Tielemans getting nutmegged: Talking points and player ratings in Man Utd vs Hull City
By Luke Oluoch, August 22, 2026Manchester United’s Premier League opener got off to the worst possible start as Michael Carrick’s team fell 2–0 to newcomers Hull City at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
The defeat marked the first time in Manchester United’s history that they have lost to a newly promoted side on the opening day of a top-flight season. It also marked their fourth loss in their last seven Gameweek 1 Premier League fixtures, following an opening-day defeat to Arsenal in the 2025/26 season.
Tieleman’s nutmegged
The Tigers’ second goal came after Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans was breached by a delicate nutmeg, prompting him to commit a foul for a free-kick, from which Hull scored to double their lead. His and United’s claim for a possible foul in the build-up to the goal also fell on deaf ears.
The nutmeg was a moment that encapsulated United’s struggles throughout the match, with Hull looking dangerous on counter-attacks while United dominated possession.
The clash also featured several players who previously came through the ranks at Old Trafford:
- Matt Crooks: The former United academy player, who spent seven years in the club’s youth setup, dominated the midfield battle against stars Youri Tielemans, Bruno Fernandes, and Andrey Santos.
- Paddy McNair: Another former United graduate came on as a second-half substitute, helping the Tigers preserve their clean sheet.
Player Ratings
Crooks was among five Hull players handed an 8/10 rating by the BBC, alongside goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, goalscorer Nobél Mendy, Bachir Belloumi, and John Egan in a three-man defense. Semi Ajayi was the highest-rated player on the pitch with a 9/10 score after netting the opener.
Goalkeeper Senne Lammens was United’s top performer with a 7/10 rating. The Belgian custodian had a decent game and could do little to prevent the goals, having initially saved a dangerous goal-bound shot from Ollie McBurnie before Ajayi struck.
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw received 6/10 ratings, while the rest of the starting lineup received 5/10 scores—with Patrick Dorgu hauled off at half-time.
Speaking after the match, Carrick hailed Hull’s victory as a product of their hard work behind the scenes, stemming from their Championship campaign and playoff success.
The match also saw lighthearted banter between the sets of supporters as the result slipped away from the visitors. Moments after the second goal, Hull fans jeered the away section while snapping their hands in a tiger-claw motion and chanting:
“Mauled by the Tigers! You’re getting mauled by the Tigers!” the home fans chanted.
The home fans ultimately had the last laugh as a dogged defensive effort from second-half 18-year old substitutes Lucas Herrington and McNair stood firm against Carrick’s revamped attack, which saw Benjamin Šeško and Marcus Rashford brought on to add offensive firepower.
United will now look to make amends when they face Ipswich Town in their home opener at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 30, 2026. That match precedes an encounter against Everton before the Manchester Derby takes center stage a week later.