Friday 26 August 2016

Match preview: Hull City v United

United will come up against a familiar face and an in-form side when we travel to the KCOM Stadium looking to extend our early 100% record.

Our hosts for this Saturday tea-time kick-off have proved to be the shock of the season so far, having won both their matches despite only have 13 fit senior players and no permanent manager.

Step forward Mike Phelan.

Sir Alex's assistant for five years (2008-2013) during one of the most trophy-laden eras in the club's history, the 53-year-old has been placed in caretaker charge of the newly promoted Tigers and has worked wonders with a threadbare squad.

Tipped as relegation favourites following the departure of Steve Bruce, they followed up their opening win over champions Leicester with a notable result at Swansea last time out to maintain their excellent start to the season.

United manager Jose Mourinho said that his opposite number 'deserved the job', and added:

"I hope he gets the job but loses this match- he was one of the most successful assistant managers in the country with invaluable experience.
"He was an important person to Steve Bruce and has managed to organise and motivate his team so he deserves the job I think.
"I think that more points will be needed to win the league this year because many of the top teams underperformed last time, which was amazing for the beauty of the league.
"I think the top teams will go back to being strong again but of course only one can win it and we will be aiming to do that." 


Mourinho will have a selection headache for the trip to Humberside with no injuries or suspensions and a fully fit squad to pick from. 
Jesse Lingard and Chris Smalling are available again after the latter came on as a late sub against the Saints, and Paul Pogba will look to carry on where he left off following an impressive debut in that one.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has quickly taken the Premier League in his imperious stride and should he score on Saturday he would equal a club record that has stood for 91 years.
The summer signing has found the net in each of his first three competitive outings for United (including the Community Shield win) and would equal Jimmy Hanson's 1925 feat of scoring in his first four matches for the club if he notches on Saturday. 

Match odds: Hull City 7/1 Draw 11/4 United 1/2
Form guide: Hull City W W United W W
Referee: Jonathan Moss 









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