Watching Hull with owner Acun Ilicali: 'Our boys were dying to win. I didn't see Man United in this mood'

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali said the key to the club’s opening-day shock win over Manchester United at MKM Stadium was desire: “Our boys were dying to win,” he told The Athletic. Hull’s 2-0 victory came from two first-half set-piece goals and ended their league drought versus United since 1974. Ilicali pointed to tackling and intensity as the difference-makers, adding that Hull’s season rests on three advantages: being the underdog, facing low expectations, and playing “with heart.” The win builds momentum after Hull’s May promotion, and despite a tough early fixture list, they start the Premier League with three points.