Hull City are off to a fantastic start for the 2016-17 campaign. With two consecutive English Premier League victories and six points under their belt. Can Hull ruin the United party?
Caretaker manager Mike Phelan has performed admirably in his position and has been able to get the most out of the Tigers’ offensive weapons. All three victories thus far have featured multiple goals in each match, along with one clean sheet as well.
Now, Jose Mourinho and Manchester United are their next challenge at the KC Stadium on Saturday. With defending Premier League champions Leicester City off to a slow start, the Red Devils present Hull City with their toughest challenge so far this season.
The match offers the Tigers the ultimate opportunity to show what they are capable of, along with the chance for Mike Phelan to show why he deserves the full-time manager spot moving forward at the club.
We look at what areas Hull City can look to exploit against Manchester United this weekend.
MIKE PHELAN AND HIS KNOWLEDGE OF MANCHESTER UNITED
Tactical knowledge of an opponent can offer a squad an important advantage, and manager Mike Phelan is able to provide just that for Hull City.
As an assistant with both the first team and the reserves, Phelan spent 18 years as a coach at Old Trafford. He understands the ins and outs of the organisation and has an intimate insight into many of their players that he has worked with over the years.
PACE AND CREATIVITY IN THE ATTACK
On paper, there are very few (if any) positional and one-on-one advantages for Hull City heading into this match. However, the key factor for the Tigers will be getting forward early and often in the attack.
Forwards Abel Hernandez and Adama Diomande have done a spectacular job so far this season in creating space and finishing scoring chances. With 5 goals combined across all competitions thus far, Mike Phelan will need to count on his two offensive weapons to make an impact.
Robert Snodgrass and Ahmed Elmohamady have been stellar in the midfield and contribute often higher up the pitch. Hull City may look to push numbers forward and hold a high line to offset a strong Manchester United team.
To do so, captain and centre-back Curtis Davies will need to keep up strong performances from the Tigers’ backline.
CONFIDENCE AND GREAT FORM
Winning can be contagious. Hull City will want to keep that feeling going, and their skyrocketing confidence can be extremely helpful in making that a reality.
The atmosphere around the squad is one of positivity this week, both with the team and with supporters. KC Stadium will undoubtedly provide an incredible atmosphere for the home side and perhaps provide the extra push needed for a victory over the Red Devils.
Coming off some excellent performances, the club appears to be in top gear already early in the season. Their great form may hopefully be enough to get a fourth win in four from this year.
