Hull City host Manchester United at the MKM Stadium on Saturday afternoon, marking the club’s first Premier League fixture in nine years.
Sergej Jakirović’s side arrive with genuine optimism after a summer of significant investment, but a substantial injury list tempers expectations for the opener. Nine years is a long wait, and this occasion will be one Hull supporters have been anticipating since their play-off final win at Wembley in May.
Hull City team news
The absentee list is significant. Jack Butland is out following elbow surgery, Eliot Matazo is sidelined with a knee injury, and Darko Gyabi is unavailable with a groin problem. Oscar Zambrano, one of the summer’s new arrivals, is out with a thigh issue for at least a month.
Charlie Hughes continues to recover from groin surgery with no clear return date, while Joe Gelhardt, another new signing, is expected to be sidelined for around three weeks with an ankle injury. Hidemasa Morita misses out with a calf problem, but could be involved in next week’s EFL Cup tie. Cody Drameh and Matty Jacob both require assessment before a final decision on their involvement.
Record signing, Nobel Mendy, who arrived from Rayo Vallecano, is expected to make his debut in central defence. Goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis is in line to start between the posts, with Jens Hjertø-Dahl and Elliot Stroud also poised to make their first appearances for the club.
Regan Slater and Matt Crooks anchor the midfield, with Mohamed Belloumi providing width. Oli McBurnie, who scored 19 times in all competitions last season and struck the winning goal in the play-off final, leads the attack. Semi Ajayi and Matt Targett complete the back line alongside Mendy and Lewie Coyle.
Hull City predicted lineup
Hull City possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis; Coyle, Ajayi, Mendy, Targett; Slater, Crooks; Belloumi, Hjertø-Dahl, Stroud; McBurnie
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League match kicks off at 12:30 BST on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
How to watch Hull City vs Manchester United?
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and HBO Max in the UK.
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