United 3-0 Hull: Match Report

Robin Van Persie helped fire Manchester United to a 3-0 win over Hull at Old Trafford to keep them fourth in the Premier League.

United took the lead through Chris Smalling with goal Technology playing it’s part with early on in the first half, to give the reds a good start in the game.

Wayne Rooney doubled United’s lead just before the half with Robin Van Persie adding a third in the second half to answer his critics in a poor run of form.

United stay in forth but with a concern with the Injury nightmare continuing with Angel Di Maria being taken off early on in the first half.

Team news ahead of the tie and the man in question Robin Van Persie did start, with many suggesting young James Wilson should play instead but he had picked a knock. Marcos Rojo returned to the line-up after injuring his shoulder earlier on in the season and big name striker Radamel Falcao returned to the bench. Mata also made a return to the team with his first start since October.

For Hull they have taken points off Arsenal and Liverpool away from home this season but were looking to bounce back to the loss to Spurs at home last Sunday. Hull made a few changes with Huddleston coming out with a change in formation to 5 at the back to try and combat United’s attacking threats.

From the off United were really at it, moving with and without the ball well and pushing Hull back into their own half.

United’s injury luck continued and star summer signing Angel Di Maria pulled up feeling his hamstring just 18 minutes in, he was taken off as a precaution, with Spaniard Ander Herrera coming on to replace him.

Soon after United had a corner which Hull just couldn’t clear, Chris Smalling reacted quickest and Volleyed at goal although it was clawed out by Hull Keeper McGregor goal line technology confirmed it had crossed the line.

United continued to dominate with Hull struggling to get out of their own half, substitute Herrera was at the heart of everything for United, moving the ball very well.

Steve Bruce decided to make a change after just 34 minutes to try and combat United’s pressure. Frenchman Hatem Ban Afra who was been extremely lazy in the opening half hour was replaced by Sone Aluko.

Just before the break United made it two, inform man Wayne Rooney whipping a strike in from the edge of Hull’s area after a Van Persie knock down to give the Englishmen his 5th of the season.

Hull came out much better in the second half, with no question that Steve Bruce has given them talking to in the break, they were much more energetic and closed down more effectively.  

Just after the hour mark United were readying Falcao for the Dutchman Van Persie who answered his critics with a bang. He received the ball just on the edge of Hull’s box before firing a stunning strike into the left hand top corner.

United’s number 20 did make way for the Columbian who was making his return after a few weeks out. Unfortunately for United’s new number 9 he couldn’t get on the score sheet after Mata has put it on a plate for the Columbia but Dawson blocked his strike on the line.

The 3-0 win sees United stay in 4th with three win on the bounce for the first time since last season, giving them good confidence going into their home game against Stoke this Tuesday Night.