In only a span of six days, Manchester United and manager Jose Mourinho were left frustrated again by Hull City. The two clubs played to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Wednesday night in a Premier League match that was an excellent opportunity for United to gain ground in the table.
Manchester United vs. Hull City: Match Review
The Tigers defeated the Red Devils 2-1 in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals this past Thursday, but United advanced to the final at Wembley Stadium 3-2 on aggregate. A late goal from new signing Oumar Niasse won the match for Hull.
Wednesday’s encounter featured several similar elements to their previous meeting, with a physical style of play present throughout. Utilising Marcus Rashford at the top of the line-up with striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a choice made by Mourinho with the intention of breaking down a stern Hull defence.
United dominated possession (67%-33%) and doubled the visitors’ amount of shots (12-6), but were unable to find the break-through.
Hull manager Marco Silva will be pleased with much of the squad’s performances, including Lazar Markovic striking the post late in the match and coming close to earning an important three points.
Hull goalkeeping and a vital point
Much praise belongs to goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic for a sensational evening, as he was integral to Hull keeping the clean sheet. The Swiss international made six saves and kept his back-line organised amidst constant pressure from the United attack.
Jakupovic’s stoppage-time effort to clear out a spectacular shot from Paul Pogba was magnificent and displayed the 32-year old’s quality.
Hull City earn a valuable point on their travels, now one point above Sunderland at the bottom of the relegation places.
Missed opportunity for United
With several results this week favouring Mourinho’s side, Manchester United will be disappointed to miss a chance to gain on the top four of the Premier League.
Watford’s victory over Arsenal and Tottenham’s draw at Sunderland, along with the 1-1 stalemate between Liverpool and Chelsea, offered United an opportunity to move within a point of fourth place.
Instead, it was Manchester City’s 4-0 victory at West Ham United that was the key result heading towards the weekend matches. Manchester United look to bounce back Sunday at Leicester City.
Bailly does not feature on the back-line
Centre-back Eric Bailly was not in the United line-up on Wednesday, despite reports that he was ready to return to action following an injury.
United’s back-line performed well, but will be anxious to see the 22-year old defender contribute moving forward in the campaign.
Jose Mourinho may have the feeling that extra rest and minutes against Leicester City on Sunday are the best way to bring Eric Bailly back into the team.
Line-ups
MANCHESTER UNITED: De Gea, Valencia, Jones (Smalling 55′), Rojo, Blind, Carrick (Rooney 46′), Herrera, Mkhitaryan (Mata 62′), Pogba, Ibrahimovic, Rashford
Unused subs: Romero, Young, Lingard, Martial
HULL CITY: Jakupovic, Robertson, Dawson, Maguire, Meyley, Tymon (Ranocchia 66′), Clucas, Huddlestone, Markovic, Evandro (Elabdellaoui 72′), Niasse (Hernandez 69′)
Unused subs: Marshall, Maloney, Bowen, Diomande
REFEREE: Mike Jones
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