Hull City vs Manchester United – Match preview and team news

Hull City returns to the Premier League for the first time in nine years this Saturday, facing Manchester United at the MKM Stadium. The match marks the opening fixture of the 2026-27 season. Hull City, led by Serbian captain Sergej Jakirović, climbed to the top flight via the Championship playoffs after a 3-0 win over Millwall. They secured their top-flight status with a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Middlesbrough at Wembley.

Manchester United, under new manager Michael Carrick, returned to the Premier League after finishing third last season. They secured a Champions League return, building on their third-place finish.

Hull City's previous 10 Premier League meetings against Manchester United saw them lose all ten matches in the league, with just three wins in all competitions. The upcoming clash will be Jakirović's first full season in charge at Hull City.

Notable absences for Hull City include Jack Butland, Eliot Matazo, Darko Gyabi, Oscar Zambrano, Charlie Hughes, Joe Gelhardt, Hidemasa Morita, Cody Drameh, and Matty Jacob. Record signing Nobel Mendy is expected to make his debut in central defense, while Konstantinos Tzolakis, Jens Hjertø-Dahl, and Elliot Stroud are also likely to feature for the first time.

Oli McBurnie, who scored 19 times last season, leads Hull City's attack. Manchester United will be without Matthias de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, and Tom Heaton due to injury. Mason Mount faces a late fitness test following a foot injury from pre-season, and Benjamin Seško remains questionable after recovering from a shin injury.

Youngsters Lisandro Martínez and Kobbie Mainoo are likely to make their Manchester United debuts in the rebuilt midfield, with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos also set to feature. Lisandro Martínez and Kobbie Mainoo are likely to feature from the bench after returning late from international duty with limited match fitness.