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Two teams expected to finish at opposite ends of the Premier League table meet in their season opener at the MKM Stadium as Hull City host Manchester United at Saturday lunchtime.
Hull were promoted from the Championship via the play-offs, and will be keen to show why they belong in the top flight.
Meanwhile, United are aiming to build on their third-place finish last season, and will be expecting to start off with victory.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Hull City vs. Manchester United key stats
- Hull are Opta's favourites to finish bottom of the table.
- United have picked up the most Premier League points in 2026 (41).
- United have more Premier League opening-day wins than any other side (22).
Hull City vs. Manchester United preview: Red Devils to tame Tigers?
Hull vs Man United — Tale of the Tape
| Hull | vs | Man United |
|---|---|---|
| 11th | Position | 16th |
| 0 | Points | 0 |
| 0 | Goals For | 0 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 0 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 11th | Home / Away Rank | 16th |
Having finished sixth in the Championship, it was a surprise to see Hull promoted ahead of Millwall, Southampton and Middlesbrough.
The Tigers have not spent as much as the other promoted sides in Coventry City and Ipswich Town in the transfer market to help keep them up, so it begs the question whether their squad is strong enough to stay in the Premier League.
Sergej Jakirovic will do his best though, but has not been helped by the sheer amount of pre-season injuries his squad have suffered.
Indeed, as many as seven players are expected to miss out, while Cody Drameh and Matty Jacob are also doubts.
As for United, Karl Darlow, Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs De Ligt have returned to training, but the latter is not fit enough to face Hull.
Manuel Ugarte is also ruled out with injury, while Michael Carrick has confirmed that Mason Mount has picked up a knock.
Still, United will be confident of having a strong enough squad to win this one, especially with the new signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, who could make their competitive debuts, as well as the expected arrival of Carlos Baleba.
The Red Devils are aiming to build on their third-place finish from last season, and will welcome the return of Champions League football to Old Trafford.
Hull City vs. Manchester United form guide & betting tips
| Hull | vs | Man United |
|---|---|---|
N/A |
Form | N/A |
| 0 | Points | 0 |
| 11th | Form Table | 16th |
| 0 | Goals For | 0 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 0 |
WWDLD |
Form (All Comps) | WWDWL |
Whispers predicts: Hull City 0-2 Manchester United
Unsurprisingly, United are overwhelming 2/5 (1.40) favourites to win, but while we agree with the bookies, we want to explore some more ambitious bets.
We are expecting the Red Devils to be fairly comfortable, so Man United to win (-1 handicap) at 11/10 (2.10) does appeal.
Hull also drew blanks in their last two pre-season friendlies in preparation for this fixture, so BTTS – No at 20/23 (1.87) could also come into play.
Having broken the assists record in the Premier League last season with 21, Bruno Fernandes to make an assist at 13/8 (2.63) is our final punt, while our prediction of a 2-0 United win can be backed at 13/2 (7.50).
> BTTS – No at 20/23 (1.87) | Likelihood: Probable
> Man United to win (-1 handicap) at 11/10 (2.10) | Likelihood: Possible
> Bruno Fernandes ro make an assist at 13/8 (2.63) | Likelihood: Possible