Semi Ajayi scored for Hull City as they defeated Manchester United 2-0 in their Premier League return on Saturday.
Hull won a corner in the 17th minute, and Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens saved Oli McBurnie’s effort. Ajayi reacted first when the ball fell loose and fired Hull ahead.
Peter Schmeichel criticised United’s defending after the goal, pointing to the players’ reactions after Lammens made the save.
“This is sloppy defending, this is all about concentrating,” Schmeichel said.
The former Manchester United goalkeeper also pointed to Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven when he reviewed the goal.
“That’s not how you defend, you have to be stronger,” Schmeichel added.
Hull increased their lead in the 38th minute when Regan Slater sent a free-kick into the box and Nobel Mendy headed past Lammens.
Ajayi also featured in the second goal, with OwnGoalNigeria reporting that the ball came off the Nigerian before reaching Mendy. Reuters, however, credited Slater with the assist.
Manchester United could not find a goal after half-time, although Bryan Mbeumo tested Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Bruno Fernandes then blamed United’s defending from set-pieces for the defeat.
“The two set-pieces ended up costing us the game today,” Fernandes told TNT Sports.
Michael Carrick also addressed the loss after United began the season without a point.
“It’s one game. It’s the first game of the season, so it’s disappointing enough, and it hurts, of course it does,” Carrick said.
The result gave Hull three points on their return to the Premier League, while Ajayi marked the occasion with his first goal of the campaign.
