Hull stun Manchester United on opening day as fans mock Joe Cole's relegation prediction

Hull City opened their Premier League campaign with a statement 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the MKM Stadium, silencing the doubters — and one pundit in particular — on the first weekend of the season.

The Tigers, promoted via the play-offs last term after finishing sixth in the Championship, were widely tipped as the division’s most likely relegation candidates. Among those who had written them off was TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole, who said on The Dressing Room podcast that he would be “stunned if they stayed up.” Hull’s fans were quick to remind him.

After Nobel Mendy headed home from a set piece to make it 2-0 in the first half, the MKM Stadium erupted with chants of “Are you watching, Joe Cole?” — a refrain that rang out again as the final whistle approached. Semi Ajayi had opened the scoring for the hosts, who were good value for all three points against a United side that had been tipped by some to finish as high as second.

Hull owner Acun Ilicali made no secret of his frustration at the dismissive pre-season coverage his club received. “I was fed up last season, [people tipping us for] relegation — but not like this year,” he said. “This year, everybody’s making predictions. When it comes to Hull, they don’t even talk, just put ‘Hull, 20’ then go straight to the next team. That’s what we like, I like, our fans like, because we want to be underdogs. If nobody thinks we will achieve something, I like it like this.”

Defender Ajayi echoed that defiant tone after the final whistle. “We’re not focused on outside noise,” he said. “We back ourselves to do well and hopefully we will have a really positive season.”

Hull’s most recent Premier League spell, in 2017, lasted just one season before they were relegated. This time, they have announced their return with one of the more eye-catching results of the opening weekend — and given their supporters a chant they will not be forgetting in a hurry.