Game Week 1 Predictions: United to beat Hull City

Hull vs Man Utd preview: Carrick’s Red Devils visit newly promoted Tigers as both sides open the new Premier League season.

Hull City's baptism of fire starts at home against Manchester United. Can the new-look Manchester United beat the newcomers? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Hull City vs Manchester United

MKM Stadium

12:30pm

Manchester United saw how Arsenal decimated Coventry City at the Emirates on Friday night; now, it's up to the Red Devils to equal the feat of starting the chase from day one of the new Premier League season.

Manchester United finished strongly last season. The third position seemed impossible at the time they let Ruben Amorim go, but Michael Carrick came in, stabilised the squad, and gave them reason to believe. Now they're in the Champions League, and they have a title to fight for.

Hull City went through the rigours of the play-off to get to the Premier League. From the spying scandal that usurped Southampton to having to do it the hard way. The Tigers are back in the big time, and they must make the most of it.

Manchester United isn't the same as the last time Hull City was in the Premier League. The Tigers can be brave, but they don't want to be hammered the way Coventry was at the Emirates. You want to give yourself a good start; it must be pragmatic.

Sirgej Jakirovic, the head coach of the Tigers, took over in June of 2025 and guided them to the Premier League. He will have his work cut out as most pundits expect the Tigers to finish bottom of the league. Can Hull City upset the odds?

Seven of the last nine newly promoted sides have got relegated at the first time of asking, with Leeds United and Sunderland proving different last season. Hull City can learn a thing or two from the Black Cats and Leeds. Can Hull City stay up?

One piece of news rocking Manchester at the moment is the refusal of Bruno Fernandes to sign a new contract to keep him at Old Trafford for longer. It is believed by those who are close to the player that he loves to stay, but he wants the club hierarchy to invest in the squad.

Carlos Baleba will join from Brighton, but Manchester United needs defensive covers. A bulk of their defence are injury-prone, while quality isn't anywhere near what Arsenal currently have. If United does want to win the league, they must improve the squad.

Bruno Fernandes is still the man to watch. The Portuguese had an underwhelming World Cup, but his heroics last season got Manchester United to where they finished last season. Bryan Mbeumo, Matteus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko are the other players to watch out for in this game.

For Hull City, it's about game management and composure. Oli McBurnie and Joe Gelhardt are not new to the big league; the duo have been here before, and they can offer some tips to the ones in the squad with no top-flight experience. United should be too much for the Tigers, but is an upset on the cards?

Verdict: Manchester United to win.