Hull City 0-1 Manchester United: 5 Things We Learned
It’s game week three, and Manchester United have secured their third win of the season, thanks to Marcus Rashford’s late winner.
Jose Mourinho took charge of his fourth match as manager of the Red Devils, and his third Premier League match of the season.
The Red Devils made it nine points out of nine this evening as Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score a 92nd-minute winner.
Hull City stood solidly in defense for most of the match, but Manchester United kept on pressuring the Tigers and eventually got the three points.
United started the match with the same lineup as they did last time out against Southampton. However, Mourinho subbed on Mkhitaryan, Rashford, and Smalling to ensure his side secured the win.
Zlatan Ibrahimović played the full 90 minutes, but failed to find the net as he did during his last two Premier League games. However, he did come close on a few occasions.
Wayne Rooney, who scored in United’s first Premier League match of the season, provided the assist to Marcus Rashford’s goal in extra-time to secure their third Premier League win.
Juan Mata and Anthony Martial started on the wings, but were both replaced during the course of the match. Martial came off for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while Mata made way for Marcus Rashford, the match-winning goalscorer.
Here are five things that we learned from Manchester United’s win away to Hull City:
- Marcus Rashford Should Be Starting
Not only did the 18-year-old score the winner, but his pace and agility were huge assets to the squad.
Rashford came on in the 70th-minute and replaced Juan Mata, but the youngster took over Wayne Rooney’s center forward role.
Mourinho instructed Rooney to move off to the left, while Rashford played just behind Zlatan. Henrikh, meanwhile, played on the right, although Antonio Valencia commanded the right-hand flank for the majority of the match.
Many Manchester United fans have been calling for Jose Mourinho to start Marcus Rashford, although it seems that the Special One prefers to begin the match with Anthony Martial.
Although Martial may possess similar pace to Marcus, the Frenchman also needs a rest once in a while. Reports from earlier this week suggested that Martial could lose his starting position due to his lack of goals, which could mean that Rashford will be starting United’s next match.
However, Mourinho already addressed the fact that he sees Rashford as the second striker to Zlatan Ibrahimović, even stating that the 18-year-old is ‘amazing for his age.’
We could also see Mourinho replace Captain Wayne Rooney with the youngster in the upcoming match. Only time will reveal Mourinho’s plans.
Also See:
VIDEO: Marcus Rashford Scores Extra Time Goal After Rooney’s Brilliant Pass
- Eric Bailly Is Worth Every Penny
The 22-year-old Ivorian has settled very well into the Manchester United defense and looks completely at home. He was even awarded the man of the match award for his impressive performances.
Jose Mourinho knew exactly what he was buying when he paid £30 million for Bailly and it looks like he is worth every single penny.
Strong in the air, a beast on the ball, and confident – the boy has it all. Strikers will soon be fearing Eric Bailly.
His partner, Daley Blind, also had a good game and defended pretty well against Hull’s attacks. Manchester United held possession for most of the match and played on the counter throughout the second half.
- Hull City Are Solid
The Tigers defended well throughout the match, frustrating the Manchester United attackers at times. However, they let it slip late in the second half and allowed Manchester United to do what they do best – score late goals.
Mike Phelan will be quite pleased with the way his side defended, besides their late slip. He could possibly be awarded the full managerial post.
Hull won their first two matches of the season, one of which was against last season’s Champions, Leicester City. Phelan’s men will be hoping to stay as tight as they have today and possibly fight for a spot in Europe. If Leicester can do it, why can’t anyone else dream?
- Paul Pogba Needed A Little More Accuracy
The £89 million man started his second match for Manchester United this season, and failed to find the back of the net despite many long-range efforts.
Pogba impressed with his performances, but it was disappointing not to see him score from one of his long range efforts.
The 23-year-old fired the ball from outside the box on several occasions and even got many fans off their seats. However, he failed to find the net.
United fans will have to wait to see their record-signing score, but they will be impressed with the way he stood his ground in midfield. His interceptions, his strength, and his eagerness to get on the ball will take him far in his career.
Pogba’s midfield partner, Fellaini, also had quite a good game and proved to Mourinho that he is definitely worth a start, although it would be nice to see Jose start Herrera or Carrick next time out.
- Zlatan Ibrahimović Is More Than Just A Shirt Seller
The Giant Swede who came on a free from France this summer has proved to all the Manchester United fans that he is here to do more than just look good in the Manchester United jersey.
Zlatan, who scored in his previous three matches for the club, didn’t manage to find the back of the net this evening, but his influence in attack was much needed by the team.
His unpredictable nature and strength in the air made him a menace to the Hull City defense, but they still managed to stand tight and deny Zlatan a chance to net the ball.
Zlatan, 34, came to the Premier League with many doubting his fitness and his abilities for the English game, but the Giant Swede has once again proved everyone wrong.
He managed to last the whole 90 minutes and proved to be crucial in Manchester United’s attack, and it was unfortunate he couldn’t find the back of the net tonight.
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