Tuesday's Premier League clash at Old Trafford pitted Manchester United against Hull City in what was the current Premier League champions' final home league game of the campaign.
A debut goal from 18-year-old forward James Wilson gave United a 1-0 lead at the interval.
Wilson doubled his tally in a United shirt after 63 minutes, but a long-range effort from Matty Fryatt made it 2-1 with little over 25 minutes of normal time remaining.
Both sides had chances as the second half progressed and it was United that added a third late on through Robin van Persie.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's Premier League coverage continues from Old Trafford as Manchester United welcome Hull City. It has been a season to forget for the champions, but they will be keen to pick up the three points in their final home game of the campaign. Hull, meanwhile, are without a win in their last three in the league and seemingly have their sights set on the FA Cup final against Arsenal on May 17.
United have won all five of their Premier League meetings with Hull, while the Tigers have never won at Old Trafford in the league, with nine defeats and one draw from their 10 visits. They did win an FA Cup third-round clash at this stadium in 1952, but it has not been a happy hunting ground in recent years. The last time they travelled to Old Trafford was in January 2010, when they lost 4-0 to Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
The corresponding match between the pair this season also produced plenty of fireworks. Hull stormed into a 2-0 lead in the Boxing Day clash, but United responded to pick up all three points with a 3-2 win. In total, United have scored 15 times in their five Premier League games with Hull, while they have conceded six.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: James Wilson and Tom Lawrence will make their first-team debuts for United this evening, while Marouane Fellaini and Adnan Januzaj also return to the team. Nemanja Vidic and Ryan Giggs are both on the bench for the home side. Hull, meanwhile, leave the likes of Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore and Nikica Jelavic on their bench this evening. Shane Long starts in attack, while there are also spots in the XI for goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic and midfielder Stephen Quinn. Interesting all round!
TEAMS:
UNITED: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Buttner; Carrick, Fellaini; Kagawa, Januzaj, Lawrence; Wilson
HULL: Jakupovic; Rosenior, Davies, Bruce, Figueroa; Meyler, Koren; Boyd, Quinn, Elmohamady; Long
Well, not too many expected that team for United. As mentioned, Lawrence and Wilson both make their debuts, while Antonio Valencia and Alexander Buttner start in the full-back positions. Shinji Kagawa also returns, while Robin van Persie and Juan Mata are both on the bench. Neither Patrice Evra nor Rio Ferdinand, however, are involved. Hull, as expected, have given starts to a number of their fringe players, with Koren, Boyd, Quinn and Bruce all involved. Jakupovic also starts between the sticks in what is a much-changed XI.
Right, let me get down to the facts and figures this evening. Hull might have never won at Old Trafford in the league, but neither had Sunderland until around 4.50pm on Saturday afternoon. United's miserable form at Old Trafford continued at the weekend as Sebastian Larsson's first-half strike secured all the points for the Black Cats. Incredibly, United have lost seven times in the league at Old Trafford this season.
The last time that United suffered seven home league defeats in a single season was in the 1973-74 campaign. It would be a surprise if that record worsened this evening, but United have taken just six points from their last five home games and failed to find the back of the net in four of their last eight in the league.
Just 26 goals have arrived in United's 18 league games at home, while they have conceded 20 times. To put that their home form into context, the likes of Southampton, Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion have all lost fewer times on their own patch this season than the current champions. Eight wins from 18 home games is simply not good enough for a team hoping to finish in the top four let alone challenge for the title.
That said, their away form has been impressive. In fact, no team has won more times on the road this season and victory at the weekend against Southampton would mean that they would boast the best away record for the entire season. As it stands, only Liverpool have lost fewer games (four) away from home in the league.
Last season's final league game at Old Trafford saw Sir Alex Ferguson lift the Premier League title, but things have changed since then. David Moyes has been and gone, with Giggs, who has put himself on the bench this evening, tasked with taking the team until the end of the campaign. Giggs's tenure started with a 4-0 win over Norwich City last weekend, but it was a case of one step forward and two steps back as Sunderland picked up all the points on Saturday. That has been the story of the season for the club.
That said, United do have the third-best record in the league this season against teams in the bottom half of the table, winning 15 of their 19 matches. It has been their performances against the so-called bigger sides that has defined their season, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur all beating United home and away this season. They also took just one point from two games against Chelsea.
United's league record this season reads – played 36, won 18, drawn six and lost 12. A third of their league games have ended in defeat. Simply put, it has not been good enough. They also lost in the semi-finals of the League Cup to Sunderland and were eliminated by Swansea City in the FA Cup at Old Trafford. They made it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but were eliminated 4-2 on aggregate by Bayern Munich.
United can still finish in the top six this season, but would need to win this evening and against Southampton at the weekend and hope that Tottenham Hotspur slip up in their final match. That would be enough due to United's superior goal difference, but the Europa League could prove to be a hindrance in the new campaign. As it stands, United are 16 points from fourth-place Arsenal and 21 points from leaders Liverpool.
Hull, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of a 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa at the weekend. The Tigers have won just one of their last six in the league and none of their last four on the road. In fact, Steve Bruce's outfit have not recorded a single win since they secured their place in the final of the FA Cup with victory over Sheffield United on April 13. It has been a disappointing run of form for the club.
Hull's FA Cup final opponents are Arsenal, with that clash due to take place on May 17. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis are believed to be the two favourites for the Manager of the Year Award in the Premier League, but many believe that Bruce should also be in with a shout after leading the Tigers to safety and indeed into a major final. Little under 15 minutes until kickoff...
Hull have taken just eight points from their 18 matches against top-half opposition this season, however, which is the second-worst record in the league. Their away form has also been fairly disappointing with just three wins from their 18 matches, losing 12 times in the process. As it stands, only Norwich City, Cardiff City and Stoke City have won fewer. Here's a word from Bruce prior to kickoff this evening...
As mentioned, Hull have already secured survival this season with a total of 37 points from their 36 games leaving them in 15th position in the table. They are four clear of 18th-place Norwich City, who will fight it out with Sunderland in an attempt to remain in the league. In total, Hull's league record this season reads – played 36, won 10, drawn seven and lost 19. Here are the confirmed squads for tonight's clash...
Defensively Hull have also been fairly solid this season with just 48 conceded in their 36 matches, which is less than title challengers Liverpool. United, meanwhile, have conceded 41 times this season. Down the other end it has been more of a struggle for Hull, with just 37 goals making them among the lowest scorers in the league. United have scored 60 times, which that is an incredible 36 less than joint leading scorers Liverpool and Manchester City. Right, little under five minutes until kickoff at Old Trafford.
PREDICTION: One thing is for certain, it promises to be a fascinating evening of football at Old Trafford. Both sides have a number of first-team players missing, which should create an open affair. It will also be interesting to see how Wilson and Lawrence perform on their United debuts. I do expect the home side to pick up all the points, but think it will be tight. My score prediction is 2-0 United.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be important this evening. Right, the home side get the action underway.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium for United's last home game of the season. As expected, the home side have taken control of the ball in the opening couple of minutes with Januzaj, Fellaini and Valencia all enjoying possession. United will hope for a fast start this evening.
CHANCE! Wilson comes close to marking his debut with a goal as the young striker meets a header from Fellaini inside the Hull box, but Bruce is on hand to make the challenge. It was brilliant work from Januzaj in the build-up and it has been a really bright start from the Premier League champions.
PENALTY SHOUT! Strong penalty shout for United as Figueroa brings Januzaj to the ground inside the box, but the referee is not interested. For me, that was a clear foul inside the area.
United continue to boss possession in the Hull half as Valencia drives down the right before delivering towards the far post, but Bruce is on hand to make the clearance. The away side attempt to break with Koren, but Jones steps across to claim and United build from the back once more. Bright opening seven minutes.
Half-chance for Hull to threaten as Koren picks up possession in the middle of the park before sliding a low pass towards Long, but Smalling just does enough to clear at the vital moment. United are down the other end with Kagawa moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. End-to-end football.
Another half-chance for Kagawa as the United midfielder drives to the edge of the box before striking towards goal, but his effort is wide of the post. Buttner delivers another dangerous ball towards Fellaini moments later, but this time Bruce is on hand to clear. It is all one-way traffic at Old Trafford, but still goalless.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but Hull have started to see more of the ball inside the United half with the likes of Koren and Quinn combining in the final third. Both sets of supporters are in fine voice, but events on the field have just settled after what was a fast start.
Possession football for United as the likes of Kagawa and Januzaj combine in the Hull half, but the home side are finding it difficult to cut through the Hull defence. The visitors just cannot keep the ball, however, with Long isolated in the final third. No real clear opportunities, but United are in complete control.
CHANCE! It's brilliant work from Lawrence as the United youngster turns on the edge of the box before striking one towards the top corner, but it deflects over the crossbar. Really bright football.
SUB! Early change for the home side as Vidic, who will make his final appearance at Old Trafford for United this evening, replaces Jones, who heads straight down the tunnel holding his shoulder.
United continue to dominate the ball at Old Trafford, but they are struggling to find a way through this Hull defence despite plenty of possession. You do get the feeling that opportunities will arrive as the half progresses, but Hull are not too interested in attacking at the moment. Still goalless after 21 minutes.
Still not too much in the way of an end product for United despite their domination of the ball. Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt continue to watch things from the sidelines, while Hull boss Bruce is on the touchline. Wilson breaks for United moments later before finding Buttner, but once more Davies clears.
Kagawa takes matters into his own hands for United as the midfielder finds some space outside the box before clipping a cross towards Fellaini, but the Belgian cannot make contact and the danger is cleared. Hull are down the other end with Long moments later, but the Republic of Ireland international remains so isolated.
Januzaj and Lawrence combine outside the Hull box before the latter attempts to slip a pass into Wilson, but Davies is out to clear the danger, before the away side enjoy their best period of possession thus far. Little over 15 minutes of the half remaining and it is still goalless despite United's domination.
Again it is bright work from Kagawa as the United midfielder breaks into the box before attempting to roll a cross towards Wilson, but Bruce is on hand to make the block. United wanted a penalty moments before when the ball struck the arm of Figueroa inside the box, but once more the referee was simply not interested.
GOAL! Man United 1-0 Hull (Wilson)
United take the lead with 31 minutes on the clock as Wilson meets a knockdown from Fellaini before smashing his effort into the back of the net. Brilliant for the 18-year-old. What a start to his United career!
The home side have not created too many clear opportunities this evening, but they lead in the latter stages of the half. A half-chance arrives for Hull down the other end following a poor header from Buttner, but the danger is cleared by Smalling, with De Gea beaten. The match has just started to open up at Old Trafford.
Again it is bright work from Lawrence as the United youngster drives to the edge of the box before attempting to move past Bruce, but the Hull defender clears at the vital moment. Hull are down the other end with Boyd in the next attack, but the move breaks down when Smalling comes across to clear. It remains 1-0 United.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of minutes, but the home side remain in control of events at Old Trafford. In truth, Hull have hardly been in the United half let alone created a clear opportunity. Little over five minutes of the half remaining and it has been Wilson's half.
BREAKING: Phil Jones has been taken to hospital after leaving the field with a shoulder injury earlier in the half. Let's hope that is not serious for the England international.
BOOKING! Fellaini is booked for United following a late challenge on Quinn.
Hull have just started to gain some possession in the United half in the last couple of minutes, but are still really struggling to break through Smalling and Vidic. United have another free kick in the Hull half moments later and the Premier League champions build down the left with Kagawa and then Buttner.
Half-chance for Fellaini as Buttner finds some space down the left before delivering a cross towards the Belgian, but the Hull stopper is on hand to collect at the vital moment. Both sets of supporters remain in fine voice as the first period approaches its latter stages. It has been an entertaining half of football.
The fourth official has indicated that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the half. United continue to pass and probe outside the Hull box before Carrick delivers into Fellaini, but Rosenior is on hand to clear the danger. United are in control with little over one minute of the first period to play.
HALF-TIME: Man United 1-0 Hull
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with United leading 1-0 courtesy of a debut goal from Wilson, who finished into the back of the net following a Fellaini header. Hull have threatened on the counter once or twice, but it has been a half utterly dominated by the home side.
STATISTICS: United had 62% of the possession in the first period, while they had five attempts - just one of which was on target. Hull, however, failed to register a single attempt in the opening 45 minutes. There has been one yellow card, meanwhile, with Fellaini booked for a late challenge on Quinn.
BENCH WATCH: United have already been forced into one change with Vidic replacing Jones, who has been taken to hospital with a reported shoulder injury. However, the home side still have the likes of Juan Mata, Robin van Persie, Ashley Young and player-interim manager Giggs on the bench. Hull, meanwhile, have attacking options in the shape of Fryatt, Huddlestone, Jelavic, Sagbo and Livermore.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Can United sign off at Old Trafford with a comprehensive win? Or will Hull spoil the party? The visitors get the action underway.
SUBS! Two changes for Hull at the interval with Fryatt and Sagbo entering the field in place of Long and Rosenior. That is not much of a surprise truth be told.
BOOKING! Meyler is booked for Hull after bringing Lawrence to the ground outside the box.
The resulting free kick is struck by Lawrence, but his effort is straight into the wall. Another half-chance arrives for Wilson following a low cross from Januzaj, but the striker's effort is just high of the bar.
Confident start to the second period from United as they continue to force the issue in the final third. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals as Wilson breaks forward once more.
Possession football from United as they continue to pass and probe outside the Hull box. Eventually Januzaj delivers a cross towards Fellaini, but the Hull stopper comes to claim at the vital moment. Not too much to report in terms of Hull pressure, but Fryatt and Sagbo are at least providing targets in the final third.
CHANCE! Januzaj comes close for United after turning on the edge of the box before striking towards goal, but the Hull goalkeeper is on hand to make a really smart save. Good work from the youngster.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments as both sides exchange possession in the middle of the pitch. Hull attempt to force the issue with Figueroa, but the defender asks too much from Fryatt and the danger is cleared. It remains 1-0 United with 55 minutes on the clock.
Kagawa attempts to force the issue for the home side after picking up possession just inside the Hull half, but his pass towards Lawrence is cleared by Bruce. Hull are down the other end with Koren moments later, but his cross is straight into the arms of De Gea, who has been a spectator in the opening 57 minutes.
Again it is brilliant work from Januzaj as the Belgian drives into the Hull box before preparing to fire across goal, but Meyler is on hand to make the challenge. United call for handball from the resulting corner, but the referee is not interested. The home side could have had three or four penalties this evening.
GOAL! Man United 2-0 Hull (Wilson)
United have their second of the night and Wilson has his second of the match as the youngster converts from close range following a loose save from Jakupovic. Fellaini had the chance to find the back of the net from a Januzaj cross, but it fell to Wilson, who could not miss. What a night for the 18-year-old!
GOAL! Man United 2-1 Hull (Fryatt)
Hull open their tally for the evening as Fryatt finds some space outside the box before rattling one into the bottom corner. Brilliant finish and Hull are now back in this.
SUB! No hat-trick for Wilson as the United youngster is replaced by Van Persie.
I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this evening as both sides continue to commit numbers in the final third. Ryan Giggs has started his warm-up and the Welshman is expected to enter proceedings in the next five minutes or so. Hull break once more with Figueroa, but his cross is long.
Good period of possession for Hull in the last couple of moments as Meyler works the ball from left to right before feeding Quinn on the edge of the box, but Fellaini is across to make the challenge. Giggs is preparing to enter the field as he strips off. The home supporters can barely contain themselves at Old Trafford.
Another half-chance for Fellaini following a brilliant run from Januzaj, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. The Belgian has had a number of chances to open his United account in this match.
SUB! United make their third and final change as Giggs replaces Lawrence.
Giggs has entered proceedings and taken a role in the centre of midfield. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but both sides continue to force the issue in the final third. Kagawa looks for the run of Van Persie moments later, but his through pass is too long for the Dutchman.
Almost a magical moment for Giggs as the Welshman combines with Kagawa on the edge of the Hull box before striking towards goal, but Davies is on hand to make the block. It almost falls for Fellaini, but the Hull stopper is out to claim. Little over 15 minutes of normal time remaining at Old Trafford. Still United lead.
Possession football from Hull in the last couple of minutes as they continue to break forward, but United remain a threat on the counter. Fellaini continues to support Van Persie in a forward area, while Hull are pushing numbers into the final third. Boyd dances into the United area moments later, but Smalling clears.
Again Giggs is involved for the home side as the Welshman drives down the left before delivering a low cross into the near post, but Davies is on hand to clear for United's seventh corner of the match. Giggs comes across to take the resulting set piece, but it is played short to Kagawa before Bruce heads clear.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Hull as Meyler finds some space on the edge of the box before striking towards goal, but De Gea makes the save. Brilliant goalkeeping from the Spaniard.
CHANCE! Opportunity for United this time as Januzaj breaks down the right before finding Van Persie inside the box, but the Dutchman curls wide of the target. End-to-end football at Old Trafford.
SUB! Hull make their third and final change as Livemore replaces Elmohamady.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. Van Persie digs out a shot towards goal, but the Hull stopper is on hand to make the save. It remains United 2-1 with little over five minutes of normal time remaining.
United threaten once more as Kagawa drives into the Hull half before finding Fellaini, but the Belgian loses possession and Hull launch a counter. End-to-end period of the match as Smalling challenges Boyd before finding Januzaj, but his cross is cleared by Bruce. Is there to be late drama at Old Trafford?
GOAL! Man United 3-1 Hull (Van Persie)
Van Persie gets in on the act for United as the Dutchman drives one into the bottom corner from the edge of the box following brilliant work from Giggs. That is game, set and match.
CHANCE! Hull come close to their second as Smalling turns a Boyd cross towards his own goalkeeper, but De Gea is on hand to make the save. Almost an incredible own goal from the centre-back.
Meyler is perhaps lucky to remain on the field after appearing to stamp down on the leg of Januzaj following a challenge between the two players. It was not great from the midfielder. We are into the first of three additional minutes at Old Trafford. Is there to be another goal in the final moments?
Opportunity for United to threaten from a set piece as Figueroa brings Kagawa to the ground outside the box. Giggs fires one towards the top corner, but the Hull stopper is across to make the save. So close!
FULL-TIME: Man United 3-1 Hull
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close with United running out 3-1 winners over Hull. Wilson scored twice for the home side, before Fryatt cut the deficit to 2-1 after 63 minutes. United were not finished, however, and made sure of the points late on when Van Persie found the bottom corner.
Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us again tomorrow evening for more Premier League football. From me, good evening!
