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| Version 4 | Version 5 |
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| Hull City v Manchester United: Premier League – as it happened | Hull City v Manchester United: Premier League – as it happened |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 4.57pm BST16:57 | 4.57pm BST16:57 |
| PEEEEP! And the game ends three minutes after Hull are relegated. Lee Probert may even have blown his whistle a little early. Hull are relegated by four points - Hull fought hard today but in truth their season was lost in the final few games before this. | PEEEEP! And the game ends three minutes after Hull are relegated. Lee Probert may even have blown his whistle a little early. Hull are relegated by four points - Hull fought hard today but in truth their season was lost in the final few games before this. |
| Updated at 5.37pm BST | |
| 4.54pm BST16:54 | 4.54pm BST16:54 |
| 90min +6: Ooof. This is cruel for Hull - they’ve got to play through a long period of added time, knowing they’re down. They still attack thoug | 90min +6: Ooof. This is cruel for Hull - they’ve got to play through a long period of added time, knowing they’re down. They still attack thoug |
| 4.52pm BST16:52 | 4.52pm BST16:52 |
| 90min + 5: The game has ended in Newcastle - and Hull are relegated. | 90min + 5: The game has ended in Newcastle - and Hull are relegated. |
| 4.51pm BST16:51 | 4.51pm BST16:51 |
| 90 min+ 4: Dawson heads his shot into Valdes’s arms. If De Gea does leave United, Valdes has been an interesting replacement. He’s fumbled plenty this afternoon but also pulled off two brilliant saves. | 90 min+ 4: Dawson heads his shot into Valdes’s arms. If De Gea does leave United, Valdes has been an interesting replacement. He’s fumbled plenty this afternoon but also pulled off two brilliant saves. |
| 4.49pm BST16:49 | 4.49pm BST16:49 |
| 90 min +2: Rooney’s free-kick is tipped over by Harper, the former Newcastle keeper. He looks disconsolate as he does so. Seven minutes of added time. | 90 min +2: Rooney’s free-kick is tipped over by Harper, the former Newcastle keeper. He looks disconsolate as he does so. Seven minutes of added time. |
| 4.48pm BST16:48 | 4.48pm BST16:48 |
| 90 min: Hull have been given the opportunities this afternoon: some great chances in the first-half and then a good go at 10 men towards the end of the second. The chants are now from the United fans. | 90 min: Hull have been given the opportunities this afternoon: some great chances in the first-half and then a good go at 10 men towards the end of the second. The chants are now from the United fans. |
| 4.46pm BST16:46 | 4.46pm BST16:46 |
| 88 min: A great shot from Quinn. Well, struck anyway. It’s straight at Valdes. The atmosphere is understandably subdued here although there are a good few defiant chants from the crowd. | 88 min: A great shot from Quinn. Well, struck anyway. It’s straight at Valdes. The atmosphere is understandably subdued here although there are a good few defiant chants from the crowd. |
| 4.44pm BST16:44 | 4.44pm BST16:44 |
| 86 min: Newcastle have scored! And Hull are all but relegated. They now need West Ham to score twice in five minutes, and score themselves. | 86 min: Newcastle have scored! And Hull are all but relegated. They now need West Ham to score twice in five minutes, and score themselves. |
| 4.42pm BST16:42 | 4.42pm BST16:42 |
| 85 min: Brady curls a free-kick ... straight into Valdes’s grasp. A wasted chance. | 85 min: Brady curls a free-kick ... straight into Valdes’s grasp. A wasted chance. |
| 4.41pm BST16:41 | 4.41pm BST16:41 |
| 83 min: McShane now has a black bandage after the five minutes we were delayed while he was patched up. We’ll have at least seven minutes of added time, I should think. Hernandez has a superb chance but can’t get his shot off as it bobbles around his feet. | 83 min: McShane now has a black bandage after the five minutes we were delayed while he was patched up. We’ll have at least seven minutes of added time, I should think. Hernandez has a superb chance but can’t get his shot off as it bobbles around his feet. |
| 4.38pm BST16:38 | 4.38pm BST16:38 |
| 79 min: Oh, and McShane is also bleeding from his head. When Fellaini attacks people he at least does it properly. There will be plenty of added time - McShane is being bandaged up on the pitch. | 79 min: Oh, and McShane is also bleeding from his head. When Fellaini attacks people he at least does it properly. There will be plenty of added time - McShane is being bandaged up on the pitch. |
| 4.36pm BST16:36 | 4.36pm BST16:36 |
| Red card! Fellaini (77 min) | Red card! Fellaini (77 min) |
| Fellaini ends his season with an awful ‘tackle’ that involves plenty of studs and plenty of McShane’s thigh. McShane lies bleeding on the turf. | Fellaini ends his season with an awful ‘tackle’ that involves plenty of studs and plenty of McShane’s thigh. McShane lies bleeding on the turf. |
| Updated at 4.53pm BST | Updated at 4.53pm BST |
| 4.34pm BST16:34 | 4.34pm BST16:34 |
| 76 min: Hernandez punches a United player - I miss which one - in the stomach. This is not a good tactic while chasing a goal that could save your team’s Premier League existence. He is very lucky not to be sent off. | 76 min: Hernandez punches a United player - I miss which one - in the stomach. This is not a good tactic while chasing a goal that could save your team’s Premier League existence. He is very lucky not to be sent off. |
| 4.32pm BST16:32 | 4.32pm BST16:32 |
| 74 min: Another brilliant save from Valdes! Jelavic clips the ball on the near post and it looks like it’s streaking into the net before the keeper saves to his left. Valdes has been an entrtaining mix of awful and brilliant. | 74 min: Another brilliant save from Valdes! Jelavic clips the ball on the near post and it looks like it’s streaking into the net before the keeper saves to his left. Valdes has been an entrtaining mix of awful and brilliant. |
| 4.30pm BST16:30 | 4.30pm BST16:30 |
| 73 min: Mata makes way for Wilson. | 73 min: Mata makes way for Wilson. |
| 4.30pm BST16:30 | 4.30pm BST16:30 |
| 72 min: Hernandez plays a clever ball into Brady but he can’t quite reach. | 72 min: Hernandez plays a clever ball into Brady but he can’t quite reach. |
| 4.28pm BST16:28 | 4.28pm BST16:28 |
| 71 min: Hull subs: Chester is off for Hernandez, and N’Doye makes way for Aluko. | 71 min: Hull subs: Chester is off for Hernandez, and N’Doye makes way for Aluko. |
| 4.27pm BST16:27 | 4.27pm BST16:27 |
| 69 min: United swing it around to no effect apart from to waste Hull’s time. Here’s Tom Harp: “Why are Man U in white? Is it some sort of subliminal signal?” It’s when Blind and Mata took out a picnice hamper and started on the sandwiches by the centre circle that I got my suspicions, Tom. | 69 min: United swing it around to no effect apart from to waste Hull’s time. Here’s Tom Harp: “Why are Man U in white? Is it some sort of subliminal signal?” It’s when Blind and Mata took out a picnice hamper and started on the sandwiches by the centre circle that I got my suspicions, Tom. |
| 4.25pm BST16:25 | 4.25pm BST16:25 |
| 67 min: Hull look like men who have realised their doom is upon them in 23 minutes or so if they don’t score and are at their most dangerous since the start of the first-half. Elmohamady’s long ball into the box is headed away. | 67 min: Hull look like men who have realised their doom is upon them in 23 minutes or so if they don’t score and are at their most dangerous since the start of the first-half. Elmohamady’s long ball into the box is headed away. |
| 4.22pm BST16:22 | 4.22pm BST16:22 |
| 65 min: This is more like it for Hull. A lovely cross from Brady is clicked on by McShane but the ball flies past the right post. N’Doye’s looping volley then goes wide. | 65 min: This is more like it for Hull. A lovely cross from Brady is clicked on by McShane but the ball flies past the right post. N’Doye’s looping volley then goes wide. |
| 4.21pm BST16:21 | 4.21pm BST16:21 |
| 63 min: All sorts of drama! Valdes completely misses his punch, the ball drops into the six-yard area and several United players fall over. The ball doesn’t fall to a Hull player though and United can clear. Rooney smashed into Fellaini during the melee and his stumbling towards the sidelines. | 63 min: All sorts of drama! Valdes completely misses his punch, the ball drops into the six-yard area and several United players fall over. The ball doesn’t fall to a Hull player though and United can clear. Rooney smashed into Fellaini during the melee and his stumbling towards the sidelines. |
| Updated at 4.43pm BST | Updated at 4.43pm BST |
| 4.18pm BST16:18 | 4.18pm BST16:18 |
| 60 min: Herrera has had A LOT of good chances today. This time, his shot skips across the face of goal with Harper beaten. Hull haven’t had a decent chance since that frenzied period in the first-half. They do have a corner now though ... | 60 min: Herrera has had A LOT of good chances today. This time, his shot skips across the face of goal with Harper beaten. Hull haven’t had a decent chance since that frenzied period in the first-half. They do have a corner now though ... |
| Updated at 4.31pm BST | Updated at 4.31pm BST |
| 4.17pm BST16:17 | 4.17pm BST16:17 |
| 59 min: Young comes off for Fellaini. Young had played in central midfield today. Suffice to say, it’s not his best position. | 59 min: Young comes off for Fellaini. Young had played in central midfield today. Suffice to say, it’s not his best position. |
| 4.15pm BST16:15 | 4.15pm BST16:15 |
| 58 min: Young slices into the area and slides the ball across to Herrera. It takes a swift interception from McShane to clear the danger. Meanwhile, in minor acts of violence news, Blind is booked. | 58 min: Young slices into the area and slides the ball across to Herrera. It takes a swift interception from McShane to clear the danger. Meanwhile, in minor acts of violence news, Blind is booked. |
| 4.14pm BST16:14 | 4.14pm BST16:14 |
| 56 min: Some grimaces from Hull fans as the news comes in from Newcastle. Still, Hull had to score before and that’s still the case now. | 56 min: Some grimaces from Hull fans as the news comes in from Newcastle. Still, Hull had to score before and that’s still the case now. |
| 4.12pm BST16:12 | 4.12pm BST16:12 |
| 55 min: Newcastle have scored against West Ham, and are now in a very strong position to stay up. You can read about it here. | 55 min: Newcastle have scored against West Ham, and are now in a very strong position to stay up. You can read about it here. |
| Updated at 4.12pm BST | Updated at 4.12pm BST |
| 4.11pm BST16:11 | 4.11pm BST16:11 |
| 53 min: N’Doye attempts to flick the ball on to himself but he gets too full a contact. “Would it be so bad for United fans if Brady whipped in a free kick to win the game? Provided, of course, Newcastle do not beat West Ham,” says John Dagley. | 53 min: N’Doye attempts to flick the ball on to himself but he gets too full a contact. “Would it be so bad for United fans if Brady whipped in a free kick to win the game? Provided, of course, Newcastle do not beat West Ham,” says John Dagley. |
| 4.09pm BST16:09 | 4.09pm BST16:09 |
| 51 min: Ooof. Huddlestone fouled on the very edge of the area - Hull were about 0.005mm away from a penalty. And the Tigers have a free-kick on the left-hand side of the area. Huddlestone drives the ball hard and low into various United feet. A poor decision from Huddlestone. | 51 min: Ooof. Huddlestone fouled on the very edge of the area - Hull were about 0.005mm away from a penalty. And the Tigers have a free-kick on the left-hand side of the area. Huddlestone drives the ball hard and low into various United feet. A poor decision from Huddlestone. |
| 4.07pm BST16:07 | 4.07pm BST16:07 |
| 48 min: Meyler then has a superb chance for Hull. The ball drops at his feet around eight yards out. But the ball spins off his foot and wide of the goal. And over the goal if you want the full details. | 48 min: Meyler then has a superb chance for Hull. The ball drops at his feet around eight yards out. But the ball spins off his foot and wide of the goal. And over the goal if you want the full details. |
| 4.05pm BST16:05 | 4.05pm BST16:05 |
| 46 min: And we’re off again. Hull start slowly. Herrera has a brilliant chance and it takes a superb charge down from Dawson to block the shot. Terrible pass from Dawson let him in. | 46 min: And we’re off again. Hull start slowly. Herrera has a brilliant chance and it takes a superb charge down from Dawson to block the shot. Terrible pass from Dawson let him in. |
| Updated at 4.06pm BST | Updated at 4.06pm BST |
| 3.48pm BST15:48 | 3.48pm BST15:48 |
| Half-time: We go in with the scores level - and Hull still being relegated. Having said that, Hull have had two goals ruled out for offside and would have been in the lead if not for a brilliant save from Valdes. | Half-time: We go in with the scores level - and Hull still being relegated. Having said that, Hull have had two goals ruled out for offside and would have been in the lead if not for a brilliant save from Valdes. |
| 3.46pm BST15:46 | 3.46pm BST15:46 |
| 45 min: Ohhhhh. Herrera has a great chance. The ball bobbles just outside the six-yard area, and the United player can’t quite get his foot high enough to poke the ball home. If he’d gone for the header, Hull could have been in real trouble. | 45 min: Ohhhhh. Herrera has a great chance. The ball bobbles just outside the six-yard area, and the United player can’t quite get his foot high enough to poke the ball home. If he’d gone for the header, Hull could have been in real trouble. |
| 3.44pm BST15:44 | 3.44pm BST15:44 |
| 43 min: Odd from Hull - playing the ball back into their own half as they start to press forward. A misplaced pass then breaks up another attack. Hull decide to test Valdes with a high, swinging cross but he takes it under pressure from a Hull head. De Gea, by the way, hasn’t travelled with the team today - Real Madrid, anyone? | 43 min: Odd from Hull - playing the ball back into their own half as they start to press forward. A misplaced pass then breaks up another attack. Hull decide to test Valdes with a high, swinging cross but he takes it under pressure from a Hull head. De Gea, by the way, hasn’t travelled with the team today - Real Madrid, anyone? |
| 3.41pm BST15:41 | 3.41pm BST15:41 |
| 41 min: Rojo scampers forward and has a shot. It takes a deflection but luckily for Hull the ball flops up in the air and Harper gathers. | 41 min: Rojo scampers forward and has a shot. It takes a deflection but luckily for Hull the ball flops up in the air and Harper gathers. |
| 3.39pm BST15:39 | 3.39pm BST15:39 |
| 38 min: Elmohamady tricks his way past Januzaj but his cross is cut off easily enough at the edge of the area. Rooney then has a swipe at Brady - he may well have been booked if his season wasn’t ambling towards an end. | 38 min: Elmohamady tricks his way past Januzaj but his cross is cut off easily enough at the edge of the area. Rooney then has a swipe at Brady - he may well have been booked if his season wasn’t ambling towards an end. |
| Updated at 4.21pm BST | Updated at 4.21pm BST |
| 3.35pm BST15:35 | 3.35pm BST15:35 |
| 34 min: Elmohamady ends a long spell without the ball bothering the United box. But his cross is headed away easily enough. Meyler’s dart towards the area is then stopped by Blind. A real lull for Hull over the last 10 minutes or so, and the crowd has quietened in response. | 34 min: Elmohamady ends a long spell without the ball bothering the United box. But his cross is headed away easily enough. Meyler’s dart towards the area is then stopped by Blind. A real lull for Hull over the last 10 minutes or so, and the crowd has quietened in response. |
| 3.32pm BST15:32 | 3.32pm BST15:32 |
| 31 min: United have had 64% of the possession yet have done almost nothing with it. Proof, perhaps, of their willingness to sit back and take it easy. They’ve shown a lot of control but very little urgency. | 31 min: United have had 64% of the possession yet have done almost nothing with it. Proof, perhaps, of their willingness to sit back and take it easy. They’ve shown a lot of control but very little urgency. |
| 3.28pm BST15:28 | 3.28pm BST15:28 |
| 28 min: United had a few decent chances in the opening stages but it’s been all Hull since then. It’s almost like they’re fighting for their careers. Having said that, United are now on the attack. Or they were, now they’re effing about with it mindlessly in their own half. Maybe they just heard Arsenal are 3-0 up. | 28 min: United had a few decent chances in the opening stages but it’s been all Hull since then. It’s almost like they’re fighting for their careers. Having said that, United are now on the attack. Or they were, now they’re effing about with it mindlessly in their own half. Maybe they just heard Arsenal are 3-0 up. |
| 3.25pm BST15:25 | 3.25pm BST15:25 |
| 25 min: Jelavic in trouble now, he’s grabbing his foot. He’s gone to the sidelines to have a wee jog to see if he can run it off. | 25 min: Jelavic in trouble now, he’s grabbing his foot. He’s gone to the sidelines to have a wee jog to see if he can run it off. |
| 7 - Angel Di Maria completed 90 minutes in the Premier League only seven times this season. Fleeting. | 7 - Angel Di Maria completed 90 minutes in the Premier League only seven times this season. Fleeting. |
| 3.23pm BST15:23 | 3.23pm BST15:23 |
| 23 min: Di Maria is hobbling off, an inglorious end to an inglorious season. Januzaj replaces him. | 23 min: Di Maria is hobbling off, an inglorious end to an inglorious season. Januzaj replaces him. |
| “My school report once said ‘Mark does the minimum required to get through’ and I’m thinking both Hull and Newcastle have copied my template, doing hardly anything throughout the year and then trying to make up for it at the deadline. It is not a recipe for success from my experience,” says Mark Judd. | “My school report once said ‘Mark does the minimum required to get through’ and I’m thinking both Hull and Newcastle have copied my template, doing hardly anything throughout the year and then trying to make up for it at the deadline. It is not a recipe for success from my experience,” says Mark Judd. |
| 3.21pm BST15:21 | 3.21pm BST15:21 |
| 21 min: Hull have another goal ruled out! Quinn’s shot slips through a sea of legs and into the net but two Hull players were offside - and blocking Valdes’s sightlines. | 21 min: Hull have another goal ruled out! Quinn’s shot slips through a sea of legs and into the net but two Hull players were offside - and blocking Valdes’s sightlines. |
| Updated at 4.03pm BST | Updated at 4.03pm BST |
| 3.19pm BST15:19 | 3.19pm BST15:19 |
| 19 min: Arsenal are beating West Brom 2-0, so United can pretty much say goodbye to third place. Although that was always an outside chance anyway. Another free-kick for Hull, on the right of the area. It’s swung in, Valdes fumbles and McShane pokes home. But he was offside - it won’t count. Valdes makes up for it moments later though Elmohamady powers a header and the keeper saves low to his left. What a save. | 19 min: Arsenal are beating West Brom 2-0, so United can pretty much say goodbye to third place. Although that was always an outside chance anyway. Another free-kick for Hull, on the right of the area. It’s swung in, Valdes fumbles and McShane pokes home. But he was offside - it won’t count. Valdes makes up for it moments later though Elmohamady powers a header and the keeper saves low to his left. What a save. |
| Updated at 4.02pm BST | Updated at 4.02pm BST |
| 3.16pm BST15:16 | 3.16pm BST15:16 |
| 16 min: Quinn plays another ball into the box - a quick, zipped pass but Smalling’s outstretched foot intercepts before Hull can take advantage. Resident surgeon JR emails in with the inviting subject line ‘Double Sack Knack’: “For a minute there I thought we had the extremely rare double sack knack but while Elmohamady held up his end of the bargain I believe Di Maria actually took the hit to a region just a bit higher up.” | 16 min: Quinn plays another ball into the box - a quick, zipped pass but Smalling’s outstretched foot intercepts before Hull can take advantage. Resident surgeon JR emails in with the inviting subject line ‘Double Sack Knack’: “For a minute there I thought we had the extremely rare double sack knack but while Elmohamady held up his end of the bargain I believe Di Maria actually took the hit to a region just a bit higher up.” |
| 3.13pm BST15:13 | 3.13pm BST15:13 |
| 13 min: Steve Bruce, by the way, has never beaten United as a manager. | 13 min: Steve Bruce, by the way, has never beaten United as a manager. |
| Updated at 3.15pm BST | Updated at 3.15pm BST |
| 3.11pm BST15:11 | 3.11pm BST15:11 |
| 11 min: Di Maria is OK to continue too. As is Elmohamady, who had looked to be struggling. Anyway, Hull have a free-kick around 40-yards out in the middle of the field. Huddlestone hovers around looking like he’s considering a shot. But he slips it to the side to Quinn, whose ball in to the box is cleared for a corner. Hull have looked good on set pieces so far. | 11 min: Di Maria is OK to continue too. As is Elmohamady, who had looked to be struggling. Anyway, Hull have a free-kick around 40-yards out in the middle of the field. Huddlestone hovers around looking like he’s considering a shot. But he slips it to the side to Quinn, whose ball in to the box is cleared for a corner. Hull have looked good on set pieces so far. |
| 3.08pm BST15:08 | 3.08pm BST15:08 |
| 8 min: And we have a corner for Hull. Jelvic prowls about the area - Hull look so much more dangerous when he’s in the side. McShane nearly gets his head to the corner but United clear. Di Maria is down after getting a knee to the solar plexus. Or possibly somewhere lower down and more painful. | 8 min: And we have a corner for Hull. Jelvic prowls about the area - Hull look so much more dangerous when he’s in the side. McShane nearly gets his head to the corner but United clear. Di Maria is down after getting a knee to the solar plexus. Or possibly somewhere lower down and more painful. |
| 3.06pm BST15:06 | 3.06pm BST15:06 |
| 6 min: Yep, United look like they’re not in any mood to do their former captain, Steve Bruce, any favours. They’re pinging the ball about with a fair amount of joy as they contemplate their holidays. And most of the pinging is being done about the Hull box. Di Maria overhits a cross that Harper gathers. | 6 min: Yep, United look like they’re not in any mood to do their former captain, Steve Bruce, any favours. They’re pinging the ball about with a fair amount of joy as they contemplate their holidays. And most of the pinging is being done about the Hull box. Di Maria overhits a cross that Harper gathers. |
| 3.04pm BST15:04 | 3.04pm BST15:04 |
| 3 min: Of course, if you attack from the opening stages you also leave yourself open at the back. United sweep up the pitch and Rooney receives the ball just outside the box, he gets his head over the ball and drives his shot at goal - it clips the bar. | 3 min: Of course, if you attack from the opening stages you also leave yourself open at the back. United sweep up the pitch and Rooney receives the ball just outside the box, he gets his head over the ball and drives his shot at goal - it clips the bar. |
| 3.02pm BST15:02 | 3.02pm BST15:02 |
| 1 min: And we’re off. The skies are blue-ish over Hull and the atmosphere peppy. Hull - as you would expect - are looking to start quickly. And N’Doye has a header, which Valdes smothers. | 1 min: And we’re off. The skies are blue-ish over Hull and the atmosphere peppy. Hull - as you would expect - are looking to start quickly. And N’Doye has a header, which Valdes smothers. |
| 2.55pm BST14:55 | 2.55pm BST14:55 |
| Right, here in New York they’re still showing the F1 - so there’s a small chance we may have commentary of some dudes spraying champagne about while Jelavic thrashes in his eighth goal. | Right, here in New York they’re still showing the F1 - so there’s a small chance we may have commentary of some dudes spraying champagne about while Jelavic thrashes in his eighth goal. |
| And, yep, this is being done in New York so we’re five hours behind Manchester. Still, we’re right up to the minute with the current Premier League news and can’t wait to see Sir Alex Ferguson oversee Bobby Charlton captain Dion Dublin and Co this afternoon. | And, yep, this is being done in New York so we’re five hours behind Manchester. Still, we’re right up to the minute with the current Premier League news and can’t wait to see Sir Alex Ferguson oversee Bobby Charlton captain Dion Dublin and Co this afternoon. |
| Updated at 3.09pm BST | Updated at 3.09pm BST |
| 2.41pm BST14:41 | 2.41pm BST14:41 |
| And a word from the fans. The Observer asked you, the fan, about your team’s season. And you had this to say. You, personally. | And a word from the fans. The Observer asked you, the fan, about your team’s season. And you had this to say. You, personally. |
| Manchester United – Shaun O’Donnell | Manchester United – Shaun O’Donnell |
| 7/10 The early part of the season was all about injuries and LVG’s persistence with three at the back when the likes of Jones and Smalling were technically incapable of playing in such a system. We were winning games but lacked conviction. In March it seemed to click in to place with six league wins on the bounce, but in usual United style we then lost the next three, with Carrick injured and Rooney dropping back into midfield. The signs are good for next season, though. I’ve bought into LVG and I can see what he is trying to achieve. I did expect him to be more of a presence in the technical area, though, barking orders when we’re chasing a late goal. Instead we have Giggs with his hands in his tracksuit pockets and his head cocked to one side. | 7/10 The early part of the season was all about injuries and LVG’s persistence with three at the back when the likes of Jones and Smalling were technically incapable of playing in such a system. We were winning games but lacked conviction. In March it seemed to click in to place with six league wins on the bounce, but in usual United style we then lost the next three, with Carrick injured and Rooney dropping back into midfield. The signs are good for next season, though. I’ve bought into LVG and I can see what he is trying to achieve. I did expect him to be more of a presence in the technical area, though, barking orders when we’re chasing a late goal. Instead we have Giggs with his hands in his tracksuit pockets and his head cocked to one side. |
| The stars Ashley Young has been a revelation, forming an excellent relationship with Daley Blind on the left. De Gea has been outstanding again and his gloves will prove hard to fill. The flops It just didn’t happen for Falcao – and Di María has been woeful, too. | The stars Ashley Young has been a revelation, forming an excellent relationship with Daley Blind on the left. De Gea has been outstanding again and his gloves will prove hard to fill. The flops It just didn’t happen for Falcao – and Di María has been woeful, too. |
| Summer targets With Depay already signed, the window looks promising. I’d expect a ball-playing centre-half such as Hummels, a box-to-box midfielder and enforcer such as Vidal, and a pacy striker. I’d go for Thomas Müller. | Summer targets With Depay already signed, the window looks promising. I’d expect a ball-playing centre-half such as Hummels, a box-to-box midfielder and enforcer such as Vidal, and a pacy striker. I’d go for Thomas Müller. |
| Best and worst away fans Swansea always give it their all, but there was hardly a squeak from City. | Best and worst away fans Swansea always give it their all, but there was hardly a squeak from City. |
| Hull –Rick Skelton – @HullCityLive | Hull –Rick Skelton – @HullCityLive |
| 4/10 It’s been a major let-down on the pitch given the investment in the squad last summer, while the ongoing “Hull Tigers” nonsense continued to cause division off it. The disappointment started early with the needless exit from the Europa League and, though there have been moments of quality, consistent inconsistency has ruled. Steve Bruce bought players who didn’t meet the standards of professionalism he’d established in the squad and has failed to get the best out of players who are capable of much, much more. We’ve also been riddled with injuries – too many to just be pure luck. | 4/10 It’s been a major let-down on the pitch given the investment in the squad last summer, while the ongoing “Hull Tigers” nonsense continued to cause division off it. The disappointment started early with the needless exit from the Europa League and, though there have been moments of quality, consistent inconsistency has ruled. Steve Bruce bought players who didn’t meet the standards of professionalism he’d established in the squad and has failed to get the best out of players who are capable of much, much more. We’ve also been riddled with injuries – too many to just be pure luck. |
| The stars Nikica Jelavic makes a big difference. Whenever he’s injured, which is too often, we’re unrecognisable. Michael Dawson improved after a tough start and, in a season where big names have let us down, Paul McShane, Stephen Quinn and David Meyler never have. The flops £10m Abel Hernández and Tom Huddlestone, who has been garbage for 18 months. | The stars Nikica Jelavic makes a big difference. Whenever he’s injured, which is too often, we’re unrecognisable. Michael Dawson improved after a tough start and, in a season where big names have let us down, Paul McShane, Stephen Quinn and David Meyler never have. The flops £10m Abel Hernández and Tom Huddlestone, who has been garbage for 18 months. |
| Summer targets We need quality in midfield and we’re crying out for pace on the break. | Summer targets We need quality in midfield and we’re crying out for pace on the break. |
| Best and worst away fans Lokeren fans were incredible in the Europa League, while Man City were the very definition of “You only sing when you’re winning”. | Best and worst away fans Lokeren fans were incredible in the Europa League, while Man City were the very definition of “You only sing when you’re winning”. |
| 2.33pm BST14:33 | 2.33pm BST14:33 |
| Just before Hull fans give up hope. West Ham have been in their position before - and succeeded. In the 2006-07 season West Ham played Man Utd in the final game of the season needing to win and, um, won. Man Utd were champions then too. And it was at Old Trafford. | Just before Hull fans give up hope. West Ham have been in their position before - and succeeded. In the 2006-07 season West Ham played Man Utd in the final game of the season needing to win and, um, won. Man Utd were champions then too. And it was at Old Trafford. |
| Although West Ham had Carlos Tevez. And had won five of their last seven games. And United were pretty much on holiday. Oh, AND West Ham had Jonathan Spector. | Although West Ham had Carlos Tevez. And had won five of their last seven games. And United were pretty much on holiday. Oh, AND West Ham had Jonathan Spector. |
| 2.22pm BST14:22 | 2.22pm BST14:22 |
| What Hull need today: Throw away your calculator watches, it’s simple. Hull need to beat United today and hope Newcastle lose or draw against West Ham. United also have something to play for - they can move up to third in the table (and away from a Champions League playoff) if they beat Hull and Arsenal (who are seven better off in goal difference) lose to West Brom. | What Hull need today: Throw away your calculator watches, it’s simple. Hull need to beat United today and hope Newcastle lose or draw against West Ham. United also have something to play for - they can move up to third in the table (and away from a Champions League playoff) if they beat Hull and Arsenal (who are seven better off in goal difference) lose to West Brom. |
| 2.15pm BST14:15 | 2.15pm BST14:15 |
| And your teams for today are: | And your teams for today are: |
| Hull: Harper, Chester, Dawson, McShane, Elmohamady, Meyler, Huddlestone, Quinn, Brady, N’Doye, Jelavic. Subs: McGregor, Rosenior, Bruce, Hernandez, Sagbo, Aluko, Robertson. | Hull: Harper, Chester, Dawson, McShane, Elmohamady, Meyler, Huddlestone, Quinn, Brady, N’Doye, Jelavic. Subs: McGregor, Rosenior, Bruce, Hernandez, Sagbo, Aluko, Robertson. |
| Man Utd: Valdes, Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Rojo, Blind, Mata, Ander Herrera, Di Maria, Young, Rooney. Subs: Januzaj, Lindegaard, van Persie, Fellaini, McNair, Blackett, Wilson. | Man Utd: Valdes, Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Rojo, Blind, Mata, Ander Herrera, Di Maria, Young, Rooney. Subs: Januzaj, Lindegaard, van Persie, Fellaini, McNair, Blackett, Wilson. |
| Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire) | Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire) |
| 2.00pm BST14:00 | 2.00pm BST14:00 |
| Hi. Tom will be here soon enough. While you wait, here is Amy Lawrence on how After joining ManchesterUnited with a superb record in Europe, Radamel Falcao has baffled his audience – struggling with injury and unable to make an impact – but in Colombia faith in his skills remains high | Hi. Tom will be here soon enough. While you wait, here is Amy Lawrence on how After joining ManchesterUnited with a superb record in Europe, Radamel Falcao has baffled his audience – struggling with injury and unable to make an impact – but in Colombia faith in his skills remains high |
| Just over a year ago Radamel Falcao walked into a room in Madrid to greet a cluster of schoolboys flown over from Colombia to meet their hero. One of them, a 12-year-old boy who had built his own museum dedicated to the player back at home in Bogotá, was so overcome to see his icon with his own eyes he fell to his knees and wept. Falcao picked him up, sat him down, patted his head, and held his hand while they spoke. | Just over a year ago Radamel Falcao walked into a room in Madrid to greet a cluster of schoolboys flown over from Colombia to meet their hero. One of them, a 12-year-old boy who had built his own museum dedicated to the player back at home in Bogotá, was so overcome to see his icon with his own eyes he fell to his knees and wept. Falcao picked him up, sat him down, patted his head, and held his hand while they spoke. |
| “Your leg will get better,” the boy insisted earnestly. “God will make it stronger. I am not just saying it so you’ll play in the World Cup but for you.” Hearing those words from the boy, Falcao was moved to tears himself. The boy touched each of Falcao’s knees. “I’m telling you, this leg and this leg will be strong.” | “Your leg will get better,” the boy insisted earnestly. “God will make it stronger. I am not just saying it so you’ll play in the World Cup but for you.” Hearing those words from the boy, Falcao was moved to tears himself. The boy touched each of Falcao’s knees. “I’m telling you, this leg and this leg will be strong.” |
| At the time, Falcao was in the middle of his rehabilitation from anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered while playing for Monaco. There were hopes his recovery might be accelerated enough to play at the World Cup in Brazil last summer. His footballing future still seemed full of possibility. | At the time, Falcao was in the middle of his rehabilitation from anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered while playing for Monaco. There were hopes his recovery might be accelerated enough to play at the World Cup in Brazil last summer. His footballing future still seemed full of possibility. |
| From that point to this, however, Falcao’s career has taken a significant hit. There was no way the doctors could put it gently that he would miss the opportunity of a World Cup on Latin American soil. Since regaining fitness, an underwhelming season at Old Trafford has gnawed away at the sense of what kind of player Falcao now is. El Tigre, so named for his predatory traits, has looked comparatively timid. | From that point to this, however, Falcao’s career has taken a significant hit. There was no way the doctors could put it gently that he would miss the opportunity of a World Cup on Latin American soil. Since regaining fitness, an underwhelming season at Old Trafford has gnawed away at the sense of what kind of player Falcao now is. El Tigre, so named for his predatory traits, has looked comparatively timid. |
| Continued here. | Continued here. |