The Tigers fielded a balanced combination of established EFL players and recent arrivals in their opening fixture.
Just three of the club’s 11 summer recruits were named in the starting line-up. They included the two biggest signings, Greece goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and Senegalese defender Mendy, who together cost more than £20m.
Sweden winger Elliot Stroud also started, while Australia defender Lucas Herrington and former Newcastle full-back Matt Targett came off the bench to make their debuts.
Meanwhile, Regan Slater supplied the free-kick that Mendy headed into the net. Slater previously represented the club on loan in League One before completing a £50,000 move from Sheffield United.
Hull’s united performance earned praise from former England captains Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer.
Former United forward Rooney praised Hull’s organisation, discipline and work rate, qualities he believes will be essential in their attempt to remain in the division.
He also felt they had spotted United’s vulnerability when defending deliveries into the penalty area and exploited it effectively.
Rooney added that collecting as many home points as possible would be crucial and described the victory as an excellent beginning.
Shearer was equally impressed, saying Hull produced an exceptional display and were comfortably the stronger side.
Early suggestions that Hull might struggle to surpass Derby’s record-low Premier League total of 11 points from the 2007-08 season have already faded.
Jakirovic also believes the result could strengthen the club’s appeal to prospective recruits before the transfer window closes.
He said the victory could make it easier for their transfer targets to choose Hull, while stressing that the team must maintain the same standard.
Jakirovic explained that injuries or other issues forced four changes across the defensive line, which is highly unusual. He said the squad must continue competing with determination but may still require further additions.
Ajayi, 32, opened the scoring after Oli McBurnie’s effort was pushed against the post. He said a victory, a goal and a clean sheet represented an ideal outcome.
He explained that the players had shut out external criticism and concentrated on the work being done within the club, as well as the manager’s instructions.
Ajayi said Hull began the match with intensity and delivered a strong overall performance that could provide a foundation for the remainder of the campaign.
He added that the squad already understood its own quality, but the match offered an opportunity to demonstrate it both to themselves and to others.
Ajayi also highlighted the team’s valuable experience and its healthy balance between younger and older players, which he believes will be important throughout the season.
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