Manchester United will hardly have enough time to get a feel of the post-game plaudits from their thumping and dominating 4-0 win over Reading as they prepare to face Hull City in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup. The first leg will be played at Old Trafford and the Red Devils will be overwhelming favourites at the start against the basement dwellers of the Premier League.
Jose Mourinho and his boys have seen a turnaround in the last month or so and are currently on an 8-match winning streak. A number of draws in apparently winnable games saw their momentum and league position take a beating. Currently, in the 6th position, another win or two will likely see them finally make a movement in the upward direction.
But that might have to wait if Liverpool get their act together at Old Trafford next week when the two giants of English football renew their rivalry. United need a win against a top team and this will be an opportunity for Jose to make a statement of sorts.
Coming back to Hull City, although everything points towards an easy home win, United should not be taking the Tigers too lightly. They might be stuck at the bottom but they have a new manager and a reaction is always expected. They will be playing without any pressure or fear which might just see them spring a massive surprise.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED XI VS HULL CITY (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
De Gea was played against West Ham in the last round of the EFL Cup against West Ham and with a rest against Reading, might be in line for a start. Young was impressive against Wigan and might retain his place. Mourinho was happy with his performance and he will look to continue in that vein of form. With Rojo looking like missing out, Jones and Blind might form the central defensive pairing. Shaw has been sidelined by the former Chelsea boss but he should be getting a chance to start.
MIDFIELD
We saw a combo of Fellaini and Carrick in the last match. Carrick would likely get a rest before the match against Liverpool. This might see Herrera come in alongside Fellaini. Rooney is in line to become Manchester United’s highest scorer of all time and he is likely to get a start in the No.10 role.
ATTACK
Martial and Mkhitaryan might start on the flanks with Ibrahimovic making a comeback up top.
