Manchester United and Hull have become the best of foes in 2017. They are about to face each other for the third time this calendar year – thanks to the two legs of the EFL Cup semi-final – and Hull have shown signs of frustrating Jose Mourinho’s team on both occasions. This time, at Old Trafford, the Tigers are hardly given a chance of success as they sit 19th in the Premier League table and Manchester United are riding a long unbeaten run in the league.
Marco Silva has improved Hull. Highlighted most significantly in their victory over Bournemouth, their new manager has brought the team together and added players to give them an attacking punch. The sales of Jake Livermore and Robert Snodgrass raised eyebrows, but Silva evidently has a plan he is looking to work towards. Even when visiting Chelsea in their last league match, Hull were unfortunate not to pick up at least a point.
In that match they set up in a 3-4-3. Harry Maguire was the lauded star as he looked rock solid in defence and capable of producing on the ball. The whole unit, though, was impressive. Tom Huddlestone patrolled in front of the defence and limited space for Eden Hazard to wreak havoc, something that he will look to do again at Old Trafford. With Sam Clucas dropping in to support the midfield, Hull have the energy to press Manchester United on the ball just as they did in their EFL Cup second leg.
A similar approach can be expected at Old Trafford. Clucas will likely be tasked with hounding Michael Carrick in possession, which will be the key duel in the match. The alternative for Silva is to field a 4-2-3-1, but this would not see a natural matchup for a player to pressure Carrick with the same intensity as Clucas. Defensively, Hull could be without Andrew Robertson who is the subject of transfer speculation.
In the final third, Hull have added talent and goals. The return to fitness of Abel Hernandez is key, as he proved against Bournemouth, and the additions of Evandro and Lazar Markovic provide creativity and speed. Rather than just frustrating the opposition, Hull now carry a significant threat on the counter-attack. It is not only the personnel that has improved them, but their approach, there is seemingly a greater belief when they are in possession that they can cause the opposition problems.
However rotated Manchester United were in the second leg, Hull’s display deserves plaudits. Partnered with their impressive outing at Stamford Bridge, Silva has already justified his appointment. It is still an outside bet, of course, but Hull have a blueprint to frustrate, they are organised and now have the attacking versatility to offer their own problems in the attacking third.