But in a tight match that saw many of United’s big names unable to find the net, it would come down to their fast-rising 18 year old star Marcus Rashford to get the job done.
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After Rashford made a remarkable breakthrough for club and country last season, this term has seen him left out of United’s starting line-up by new manager Jose Mourinho and fail to make Sam Allardyce’s first England squad, with the 18-year-old striker instead being included in the Under-21s.
Phelan is smart enough to reward players when they’re giving their all, with an unchanged outfit taking on United from that victory at Swansea. “It is a great feeling when you win the points in the last minute”, he said.
“Hopefully we can settle all those issues we’ve got in front of us”.
“We have had to make some very hard decisions, none more so than obviously I would think Ross Barkley”, Allardyce said. We must not be happy with less than a win.
Mourinho has clearly been impressed with what he has seen of Rashford so far, but insisted his striker’s match-winning goal will make no difference as to how and when he will use him this season.
“I tell the boys every day, ‘We have to go into every match to win.’ We know we will draw or lose matches but the mentality has to be, ‘Go to win.’ Today they showed that”.
Hull caretaker-manager Mike Phelan praised the efforts of his players, and called for a quick conclusion to the club’s takeover saga.
He also said he “dreamed” of playing for United once again, suggesting he has no plans of leaving before Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
“We were so intense in our attacking ways, I always believed the goal would arrive”. But in a twist of fate, just as soon as Fellaini begins to justify his price tag and win over the fans “The Special One” announced to the media post-match that Fellaini had picked up an injury.
“My future will be decided after the transfer deadline”.
That deal may free up funds to supplement the Tigers’ threadbare squad – Tottenham’s Ryan Mason is a target – and help them continue to defy the Premier League’s usual rules of gravity. I feel for them.
“If you’re 34 years of age, you need to rest”.
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Phelan confirmed Robert Snodgrass will have his injury assessed by Scotland’s medical staff after the winger was forced off against United due to a tight calf.
