Match Report: Hull City 2-1 Manchester United (AGG: 2-3)

Holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, who turned 54 today, made five changes to his team to face Hull City at the KC Stadium. Hull manager Marco Silva made seven changes from the 2-0 loss to Chelsea on the weekend. 

In a scrappy opening the first chance came after 10 minutes when Phil Jones brought down Niasse just outside the box. Jones was consequently booked as De Gea punched the free kick to safety with ease. 

United began to control the game with Pogba finding space off the ball and Rashford looking dangerous down the left. 

On the 25^th minute, both sets of fans applauded the screens as they showed support for Ryan Mason who suffered a fractured skull on the weekend. 

Shortly after, Dawson went close as Manchester United fell asleep after a corner. A great first touch gave the Hull defender a chance but he was quickly closed down by Rojo. 

On the 33^rd minute, Hull were awarded a penalty as Maguire was bundled over by Rojo from a corner. Huddlestone tucked away the resulting penalty giving Hull the route back into the match they had been hoping for. 

The Hull City keeper Marshall was called into action shortly after, making a great save by getting down low to prevent Ibrahimovic from levelling the game. 

Half time couldn’t come quickly enough as United looked lethargic in what was arguably their worst 45 minutes since the Manchester Derby. Hull on the other hand had plenty of reasons to be encouraged after a great half, illustrating the great home form that Marco Silva had built during his short tenure.  

The second half began without any changes as Jose sent his men out knowing though they were losing, they were only 45 minutes away from Wembley. 

The opening exchanges belonged to United as every time a player went down in the box, the Manchester United fans would scream for a penalty. 

Hull looked to sure up the game by bringing on Markovic and Evandro for Bowen and Maloney respectively, however on the 65^th minute, United levelled it as Pogba found himself free in the box as a loose challenge from Huddlestone meant the Frenchman could slot it away. 

United almost doubled their advantage on the 72^nd minute as Rojo rattled the bar with a great header from a Lingard corner. United finally seemed to show their quality in a game which had passed them by for the first 65 minutes. 

The next big chance came for Hull at 78 minutes as Niasse, who had enjoyed a great game so far, in a similar fashion to Rojo, smashed the bar from a corner. 

Six minutes later, Meyler floated a ball across the face of goal to see Niasse grab a goal which he undoubtedly deserved as Hull regained their lead to make it 2-3 on aggregate. 

Hull did not manage to capitalise on their domincance and push on and score again, with the game ending 2-1 to Hull on the night. United progressed to the final 3-2 on aggregate. 

The last time Hull beat Manchester United at home was 23 November 1974, and they will take great belief from a spirited performance in which they narrowly fell short. Mourinho will have serious questions as his team have now failed to win in their last three outings. 

Hull will travel to Fulham on Sunday in the FA cup whilst Manchester United will host Wigan Athletic.

Player Ratings:

Hull: 

Marshall: (7) Bright save from Ibrahimovic. Little else to do.

Maguire: (7) – Won the penalty.

Meyler: (6) – Struggled at times with Rashford.

Huddlestone: (7) – Controlled the midfield well. Scored.

Clucas: (8) – Marauded up and down the pitch well. 

Maloney: (8)– Some bright touches and created space well. Dangerous from set pieces.

Diomande: (6) Bright in parts. Anonymous in others.

Dawnson: (7) Defended well.

Niasse: (9) Great performance. Deserved his goal. 

Tymon: (6) – Supported Niasse well but didn’t threaten. 

Bowen: (7) 20-year-old lead the line well. 

Subs:

Markovic (5) Struggled on the ball.

Evandro: (5) Completely anonymous.  

Hernandez: (5.5) Showed moments of speed but ultimately tame.

Manchester United:  

De Gea: (6) – Couldn’t do anything about Hull goals. 6. 

Darmian: (6) – Didn’t get forward enough. 6. 

Jones: (6) – Aggressive but shaky at times. Booked. 6. 

Smalling: (6) – Read the game well at times, but let Niasse go often. 6. 

Rojo: (5) Very rash. Booked. 5. 

Carrick: (6) – Struggled to contain the Hull midfield. 

Herrera: (5) Anonymous going forward.  

Lingard: (6) Struggled to get in to the game but got better as it went on. 6. 

Pogba: (7)  Played well on the turn. Got the vital goal. 

Rashford: (7) Gave Meyler some real problems.

Ibrahimovic (6) – Looked dangerous when he could get on the ball. 

Subs:

Rooney: (5) Didn’t make an impact. 

Fellaini: (N/A).