After nine years away, Hull City finally return to the Premier League on Saturday as they welcome Manchester United to the MKM Stadium.
Sergej Jakirović’s side pulled off one of the biggest surprises in the Championship last season. They went from relegation candidates to play-off winners and now have a very different challenge in front of them.
Standing in their way are Manchester United, who start the new campaign with Champions League football back on the agenda.
Michael Carrick was rewarded with the permanent job after guiding United to third place last season. The club have also added Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos to a midfield that needed more options.
Hull have been busy too, bringing in 11 new players during the summer as they prepare for their first Premier League campaign since 2016/17.
There is a huge amount of excitement around the MKM Stadium. Hull have waited a long time for this moment, and they will not want to waste it by simply sitting back and hoping United have an off day.
United, though, will see this as a game they should be winning if they want to truly contend for the title once again.
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What are the best picks for Hull City vs Manchester United?
Manchester United to win
United should leave Hull with three points, but I don’t expect them to have it all their own way.
The MKM Stadium is going to be bouncing. Hull are back in the Premier League, and there is no better way to celebrate that than by taking on one of English football’s biggest clubs.
That could make the opening stages particularly uncomfortable for United.
Carrick’s side have plenty of quality, though. Bruno Fernandes remains the player who makes things happen, while Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo give United a much more dangerous attack than that of Hull.
There is also a lot riding on this season for United.
They are back in the Champions League and will be expected to build on last season’s third-place finish. Carrick has already brought some stability back to the club, and this is exactly the type of fixture United need to win if they want to stay in the top four.
Hull can make life difficult.
They might even have a spell where United look uncomfortable.
Over 90 minutes, though, I expect United’s extra quality to tell.
Bryan Mbeumo to score
Mbeumo is the United player I am most interested in here.
The Cameroon international has looked sharp during pre-season and has already shown that he can cause serious problems when given space to attack.
With Benjamin Sesko still working his way back from injury, Mbeumo could once again be used through the middle.
That could suit him against Hull.
The Tigers are playing their first Premier League game in nine years. They will be desperate to attack and please the home crowd, but that could leave room behind their midfield.
Mbeumo is exactly the type of player who can exploit it.
If United win the ball and get him running, Hull could have a serious problem on their hands.
Over 2.5 goals
This is the pick I like most from the three. Perhaps even Both teams to score if you’re feeling a bit more dangerous.
Hull are unlikely to spend the entire afternoon sitting inside their own box. They have home advantage, a packed stadium and a squad that scored plenty of goals during their promotion campaign.
That could make this an entertaining game.
United also have plenty of attacking options, and Carrick’s side should be looking to put their stamp on the new season from the start.
The big question is whether Hull can keep United’s attack quiet.
I don’t think they can.
At the same time, I can see Hull getting chances of their own, particularly with the crowd behind them.
A 1-1 scoreline would not surprise me for a while. I expect United to find another gear as the game goes on, though.
Three goals or more feels very achievable.
Where can I watch Hull City vs Manchester United?
In the UK, Hull City vs Manchester United will be shown live on TNT Sports, with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 PM BST.
For viewers in the USA, Hull City vs Manchester United will be shown live on USA Network, with kickoff at 7:30 AM ET.
The game will take place at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, August 22. TNT Sports’ coverage will also include its new pre-match show on YouTube before the game.
What have the managers said?
Sergej Jakirović:
“I’m really excited. It’s a big challenge for us, but we’re ready.”
Jakirović has overseen a remarkable rise at Hull, taking the club from Championship relegation contenders to Premier League promotion winners in the space of a season.
Michael Carrick:
“We are in good spirits going into this weekend.”
Carrick admitted Manchester United were disappointed with their 4-2 pre-season defeat to AC Milan, but the manager insists his side are ready for the real thing.
What is Hull City’s predicted team?
Tzolakis – Coyle, Ajayi, Mendy, Giles – Slater, Crooks – Belloumi, Hjerto-Dahl, Stroud – McBurnie.
Injured: McNair, Matazo, Butland, Hughes, Drameh, Jacob, Gyabi, Morita, Gelhardt, Zambrano.
What is Manchester United’s predicted team?
Lammens – Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw – Tielemans, Santos – Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu – Mbuemo.
Doubts: Darlow, Heaton, Mount, Sesko.
Injured: De Ligt, Ugarte.
Score prediction: Hull City 1-2 Manchester United
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