Newly promoted Hull City and Ipswich Town made impressive returns to the Premier League on Saturday, with both clubs securing opening-day victories in a rare double triumph for promoted teams.

Hull produced the bigger upset, defeating Manchester United 2-0 at the MKM Stadium, while Ipswich edged Sunderland 2-1 at Portman Road to begin their top-flight campaigns with maximum points.

The Premier League confirmed that Hull, Ipswich and Coventry City were the three clubs promoted to the top flight for the 2026/27 season.

Hull marked their return to the Premier League after nine years away with a commanding victory over Manchester United.

Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi opened the scoring before Senegalese centre-back Nobel Mendy added a second as Hull capitalised on set-piece opportunities to secure a memorable victory.

Ajayi reacted quickest after Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens parried an effort from Oli McBurnie, while Mendy headed home from a free-kick to double Hull’s advantage.

The result was Hull’s first Premier League victory over Manchester United and gave the newly promoted side an immediate three points in their battle to establish themselves in the top flight.

Manchester United, meanwhile, were left to regroup after a disappointing start to their campaign.

Ipswich also began life back in the Premier League on a winning note, defeating Sunderland 2-1 at Portman Road.

New signing Emersonn gave Ipswich the lead in the 24th minute after Julio Enciso created the opening, but Sunderland levelled through a superb free-kick from Nilson Angulo shortly before half-time.

With the match appearing destined for a draw, former Sunderland winger Jack Clarke came off the bench to score in the 90th minute, curling home a late winner to give Ipswich all three points.

The victory also gave new Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil a winning start to his tenure.

The two results provided an immediate boost for the newly promoted sides and added to the unpredictability of the opening weekend.

Hull returned to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016/17 season, while Ipswich are also back in the top flight after their previous promotion campaign.

However, the promoted clubs’ success was not matched by all of the division’s established sides. The opening weekend also produced several surprise results, including Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United and Manchester City’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Bournemouth.

For Hull and Ipswich, the immediate priority will be to build on their opening victories and turn promising starts into sustained Premier League form.

With both newcomers already off the mark, the 2026/27 campaign has begun with an early warning that the promoted sides may be more competitive than expected.