Hull vs Man Utd preview: lineups, prediction and kickoff
Manchester United begin the 2026–27 Premier League season at newly promoted Hull City on Saturday, Aug. 22, with Michael Carrick expected to deploy new midfielders Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in a predicted 1–3 away win at the MKM Stadium. Kickoff is 12:30 p.m. BST (7:30 a.m. ET). Carrick has dismissed talk of an easy start as "ridiculous" ahead of a fixture United have never lost in the Premier League.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester United open the 2026–27 Premier League at Hull City on Saturday, Aug. 22, with a 12:30 p.m. BST kickoff at the MKM Stadium.
- Sports Illustrated predicts a 1–3 win for United, with Tielemans and Santos set for competitive debuts in midfield.
- Carrick called favourable-start talk "ridiculous" and warned a promoted side away from home is a "tough, tough game."
- United are without Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte; Hull miss several summer recruits through injury.
- U.S. viewers can watch on fuboTV, USA Network, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO and UNIVERSO NOW.
Why does Manchester United's Hull trip matter on opening day?
Manchester United kick off Michael Carrick's first full season with a trip to MKM Stadium, visiting Championship playoff winners Hull City. It marks the first meeting between the clubs in nine years, since Hull last played in England's top flight during the 2016–17 campaign.
The Red Devils finished last season on a high after Carrick masterminded a resurgence that ended in Champions League qualification. Since he took permanent charge in January, no Premier League side collected more points than United's 39.
Preseason brought only two wins from six friendlies, but confidence remains high. For more on the club's latest storylines, see our Celebrity Breaking News hub.
Who will start for Hull and Manchester United?
Hull manager Sergej Jakirović is expected to hand debuts to goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, center back Nobel Mendy and midfielder Jens Hjertø-Dahl. Summer recruits Óscar Zambrano, Jack Butland and Joe Gelhardt are out, along with Charlie Hughes, Paddy McNair, Matty Jacob, Darko Gyabi and Eliot Matazo.
Carrick's predicted 4-2-3-1 features Senne Lammens in goal with Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw across the back. Santos and Tielemans anchor midfield behind Amad Diallo, captain Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha, with Bryan Mbeumo leading the line.
United remain without de Ligt and Ugarte, while Mason Mount is touch and go. Benjamin Šeško could make the squad, and Karl Darlow should be on the bench with Tom Heaton sidelined.
What is the predicted score for Hull vs Man Utd?
Sports Illustrated forecasts a 1–3 Manchester United victory. Hull's home support could carry them through tough spells, but United's midfield upgrades and Bruno Fernandes—last season's Premier League Player of the Season—give Carrick's side the edge.
United have never lost to Hull in the Premier League and have suffered just one defeat in the last 14 meetings across all competitions.
How can fans watch Hull vs Man Utd on TV?
The match kicks off at 12:30 p.m. BST (7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. PT) at MKM Stadium, with referee Darren England on the whistle and Michael Salisbury on VAR.
In the United States, coverage is on fuboTV, USA Network, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO and UNIVERSO NOW. UK viewers can watch on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and HBO Max.
What did Michael Carrick say about United's schedule?
Carrick pushed back at suggestions United face a soft opening run. After Hull, they host Ipswich Town, but the head coach insisted neither promoted opponent offers an easy path.
"I think it's a tough start—both teams, but not getting past Saturday," Carrick said Thursday, per ESPN. "A newly-promoted team away from home is a tough, tough game… it's pretty ridiculous and we're certainly not taking it that way at all."
United added Tielemans, Santos and Darlow this summer but Carrick said the club is still working to strengthen before the transfer window closes, with ESPN reporting talks with Brighton over Carlos Baleba.