Manchester United began the new Premier League season with a 2-0 defeat by newly promoted Hull City despite having 21 shots, while Real Madrid escaped with a 2-1 victory at Espanyol thanks to a late winner from debutant Carlos Espi.
Hull struck twice in the first half to damage Manchester United’s hopes of starting the campaign positively. The result marked a disappointing opening for Michael Carrick’s side, who were unable to convert their chances at the MKM Stadium.
Hull’s victory also ended a nine-year wait for a Premier League goal against Manchester United. Ajay scored from a follow-up effort before Mendy added a header, leaving the hosts 2-0 ahead at half-time.
United delivered 34 crosses from open play, their highest total in a match since 2018, according to Opta. However, their attacking pressure failed to produce a goal.
Carrick insisted Manchester United had “good things” despite the dismal defeat, while an analysis by Nathan Salt highlighted two major areas of concern and four players who failed to shine in Carrick’s system. Hull had watched Manchester United three times in preparation for the match.
Hull’s game plan centred on a physical back five, which restricted Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Wing-backs Lewie Coyle and Ryan Giles repeatedly supplied target man Oli McBurnie, helping the hosts secure a memorable opening-day win.
Real Madrid rescued by late Espi goal
Real Madrid maintained their record of avoiding defeat in their opening La Liga game for an 18th consecutive season after Carlos Espi scored late to complete a 2-1 win at Espanyol.
Jude Bellingham also scored for Real Madrid, who were forced to recover before Espi settled the contest. The result extended Jose Mourinho’s record to seven consecutive wins in managerial debuts.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Brentford defeated Tottenham 3-0 on Saturday. Lewis-Potter scored for the hosts as Tottenham’s first full Premier League campaign under Roberto De Zerbi began in nightmare fashion.
Bayern, Napoli and Inter win
Nathaniel Brown scored his first competitive goal for Bayern Munich as the reigning Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal champions defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup.
The victory gave Bayern a record-extending 12th Super Cup triumph. Borussia Dortmund’s Bensebaini was sent off, while Brown and Olise helped the Bavarian side secure the trophy.
In Serie A, two late goals gave Massimiliano Allegri a winning start as SSC Napoli manager. Last season’s runners-up won 2-0 away at Genoa, who have still not recorded an opening-day victory in the Italian top flight since 2020. Kevin De Bruyne and Vergara were involved in Napoli’s successful start.
Inter began their Serie A title defence with a 4-1 victory over newly promoted Monza at San Siro. The Nerazzurri recovered from a first-half setback by scoring three times in a 15-minute spell, with Hakan Calhanoglu and Piotr Zielinski among those on the scoresheet.
In Major League Soccer, Lionel Messi scored but could not complete Inter Miami CF’s comeback as Toronto FC won 2-1. Sargent and Etienne Jr. helped Toronto secure the victory.
Transfer news and club updates
Fabrizio Romano reported that Trabzonspor had reached a verbal agreement to sign former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, who is close to joining the Turkish club.
Romano also reported a “HERE WE GO” agreement for Leon Goretzka to join Aston Villa on a free transfer after a direct call with manager Unai Emery.
Chelsea officially announced that Joao Pedro has extended his contract at Stamford Bridge until 2034.
Liverpool have completed the signing of Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who will join Levante on loan.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly in “frequent contact” with Julian Alvarez as the club hopes to lure the Atletico Madrid star. Sunday’s newspapers also carried a number of other Arsenal transfer stories and rumours.
Manchester City will begin their Premier League campaign without Jeremy Doku, with Enzo Maresca confirming that the winger is ruled out because of a calf injury.
More football news
Mikel Arteta praised Christos Tzolis after the player impressed in Arsenal’s opening-day win over Coventry City. Arteta said it was no surprise to see Tzolis perform well following a series of “phenomenal” displays during pre-season.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has hinted at a “surprise” striker option for the club’s season opener against Elche on Sunday. The German said he was not concerned about his team’s choices in attack.
Former West Bromwich Albion footballer Quevin Castro has died aged 25 after collapsing during a friendly.
Fixtures on 23 August 2026
In the Premier League, Brighton & Hove Albion play Aston Villa and Manchester City host AFC Bournemouth at 13:00 UTC. Newcastle United face Liverpool at 15:30.
The La Liga fixtures are Atletico de Madrid against Villarreal at 15:00 and Elche against Barcelona at 19:30.
In Ligue 1, Angers SCO meet Lille at 13:00, Le Havre play Monaco at 15:15 and Rennes host Paris Saint-Germain at 18:45.
Serie A fixtures include Frosinone against Juventus at 16:30, followed by Atalanta versus Sassuolo and Torino against Milan, both at 18:45.
