Preview: United v Hull
Date, time and coverage: Tuesday 6 May, 19:45 BST. The match will not be shown live on TV in the UK. Follow ManUtd.com's live blog and MUTV Online's radio commentary.
Form guide: United head into Tuesday’s match with Hull on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, who clinched a first victory at Old Trafford since 1968 thanks to Sebastian Larsson’s accurate first half volley. The Reds have now lost seven Premier League matches at home this season and, as a result, interim manager Ryan Giggs has called on his players to bounce back with a big win at the Theatre of Dreams on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Tigers are without a victory in three and most recently lost to Aston Villa at the weekend, a result that left them 15th in the table.
Ins and outs: Wayne Rooney could return from injury and illness to wave farewell to the United fans, while Robin van Persie is expected to start following his second half cameo against the Black Cats. Giggs could also name himself on the bench ahead of what could be his final playing appearance at Old Trafford. Hull will be without ex-United players James Chester and Robbie Brady, as well as Paul McShane and Joe Dudgeon. Sone Aluko is also likely to miss out.
Betting: Official betting partners bwin have priced United as favourites to win at odds of 1.35, with Hull at 8.25 and the draw at 4.75. If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not back the Reds to win 4-0 at generous odds of 36.00?
Last meeting: United clinched a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory at the KC Stadium on Boxing Day after conceding twice within the first 15 minutes. Thankfully, goals from Chris Smalling, Wayne Rooney and a James Chester concession helped the Reds bag all three points from a difficult festive encounter.
The manager: Steve Bruce was a fearless centre-back with an eye for goal, scoring 51 goals in 414 United appearances. He won three league titles, two FA Cups, the League Cup and the European Cup-Winners’ Cup with the Reds - and was in many eyes the best defender to never play for England. He took over as Hull manager in 2012, winning promotion in his first year before guiding the Tigers to their first FA Cup final this season.
Star man: Tom Huddlestone joined Hull last summer, frustrated by a lack of first team football at Tottenham. Bruce has since installed the former Derby midfielder at the heart of his team and he has responded well, enhancing his reputation as one of the finest passers in the English game. Not renowned for his goal-scoring prowess, Huddlestone made good on his promise to cut his hair when he did finally bag one - albeit after a two-and-a-half year drought - against Fulham on 28 December.
Sub-plot: The two managers were team-mates during a period of great success at Old Trafford, so it will be fascinating to see how their first meeting across the technical zone pans out. Nemanja Vidic is also set to play his final match at Old Trafford before joining Inter Milan in the summer.
Did you know? In 20 matches against United with a variety of clubs, Bruce has never beaten the Reds as a manager.
Quote/Unquote: “I wish him the best of luck. He's the most decorated player in the English game, and I doubt there will be anyone else who will win the number of medals he's got, but now he's in the hot seat, so good luck to him." Bruce on Giggs.
Whistle-blower: South Yorkshire official Craig Pawson takes charge of United for the second time this season, having refereed the 2-0 win over Cardiff on 28 January. This term he has officiated in the top three divisions of English football, as well as the FA Cup and League Cup.
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