Premier League: Nobel Mendy scores on his debut for Hull City

22.08.26 FT English Premier League

Hull

2

:

Manchester United

0

Nobel Mendy couldn’t have dreamed of a better Premier League debut. Starting for the first time with Hull City, the Senegalese defender found the net in the 38th minute against Manchester United to extend the lead to 2-0 before halftime.

Having joined Hull City this summer from Rayo Vallecano, Nobel Mendy was immediately slotted into the starting eleven for the Tigers’ big return to the English top flight. The 21-year-old defender capitalized on a set-piece situation to score his first goal in his new colors, which was not only his first for Hull but also his maiden strike in the Premier League. His debut in English football was all the more impressive thanks to a rock-solid defensive performance in the first half: 9 clearances, 10 successful passes out of 11, and three aerial duels won out of four.

Two goals in La Liga last season

Before making the move to England, Mendy was coming off an impressive season in Spain with Rayo Vallecano, where he was on loan from Real Betis. He featured in 24 La Liga matches, starting 22 of them, totaling 1,805 minutes and scoring twice. He also appeared in three Conference League games.

His performances convinced Hull City to make him one of their key defensive signings for their return to the Premier League. The English club officially announced his arrival on August 12, handing him a five-year contract with an optional additional year.

An African duo puts Manchester United under pressure

Hull City’s strong start was marked by the effectiveness of its defenders. Nigerian Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Nobel Mendy doubled the lead in the 38th with a set-piece finish. The two African defenders sent the newly promoted side into the dressing room with a two-goal cushion against Manchester United.

This goal capped off a debut full of promise in the English top flight. After making his mark in La Liga with Rayo Vallecano, the Senegalese defender is now opening a new chapter in his career with Hull City in the Premier League.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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