Manchester United vs Hull City preview

Manchester United look to extend their 100% premier league record this Saturday at 12.30pm EST. The Red Devils will face a tough challenge though as they travel to Hull City, who have also made a very strong start to the season.

Hull City made a surprisingly winning start to life back in the premier league.  The Tigers saw former Manchester United captain Steve Bruce, the most successful manager in the clubs history, walk away from the team after a grueling championship campaign.

After battling to get the team back to the top flight on the first attempt by way of the playoffs, Bruce quit amid unrest with the ownership of the Yorkshire club.

Another familiar face;

So with no manager, Hull appointed another former Manchester United player as interim coach. Mike Phelan enjoyed five years at Old Trafford as tough tackling defender and midfielder under Sir Alex Ferguson. Leaving the club in 1994, after helping the team end the clubs championship drought. He returned to the team in 1999 in a coaching role.

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His first stint was short-lived being demoted in 2001 to reserve team coach, then parting ways in 2002 for an extended break from the game.  Phelan returned again in 2008 and enjoyed a lot of success under Ferguson’s tutelage. Working as the Scots number 2 until his retirement in 2013.

Playing against the unknown;

So Hull City finds themselves without a permanent manager and supporters have very low expectations for the season ahead.  But an opening day victory against defending champions Leicester City seemed to give the squad the injection of hope it so desperately needed.

Following up with another victory in week 2 against the very tidy outfit that is Swansea City seems to have put Mike Phelan as clear favorite to take the job full-time. Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho would do well to study this opposition thoroughly before Saturdays clash.

Players to watch out for;

The Tigers have several injury concerns, and will be missing six players on game day. So Mike Phelan may well go with the same starting 11 for the 3^rd week straight.  Robert Snodgrass has been in fine form so far this season, netting two goals in all competitions.

Adama Diomonde has also enjoyed a positive start, scoring on opening day and twice in the midweek league cup clash against Exeter City. Manchester United defenders will be wise to stick close to these two players riding high on confidence.

United team sheet;

The new Old Trafford boss is said to have a full squad available. Supporters will be keen to see world record signing Paul Pogba in action again following his impressive debut in the relatively easy victory against Southampton last week.

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Fit again Chris Smalling will be hoping to get a start after coming on as a late substitute last week. Jesse Lingard will also be hoping to be given an opportunity, having been sidelined since scoring his impressive solo goal in the Community Shield.

Zlatan looks to break a record;

Having scored 4 goals in his first 3 games in a United shirt, Zlatan Ibrahimovic stands to equal a 91 year old record with a goal at the KC stadium. The Manchester United player who holds the record for scoring in his first 4 games was Jimmy Hanson in 1924. If Zlatan can score on Saturday it will certainly help quiet some of the doubters questioning if the 34-year-old Swede can maintain his electric form.