Tactical preview: How Man United can spoil Hull City’s promotion party

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Manchester United will take on Hull City in their first match of the Premier League season on Saturday lunchtime.

The Red Devils have a strong record against the Tigers and also against newly promoted sides on the opening day.

Nonetheless, this will count for little on the day and Michael Carrick’s side need to get their tactics spot on to take all three points.

Patience

The first thing United will need is patience. It is highly likely Hull will play a low block and allow the Red Devils a significant amount of time on the ball.

United have struggled with this sort of game in the recent past and have excelled more in matches where they can play quick transitions and counter teams.

Carrick has tried to instil a more possession-based game this pre-season and the midfield will be key to this.

Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Bruno Fernandes will all play a key role in keeping the ball and finding spaces to exploit in the Tigers’ defence.

Full back involvement

United, like most teams, look a lot more dynamic when they move the ball with purpose and around the pitch.

When the Red Devils are on song, they are usually involving the full-backs more in the attack.

Therefore, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui have a responsibility to get on the ball, make runs and create overlapping options for the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo or Amad out wide.

Handling robust forward

According to The Athletic, Hull City made use of robust striker Oli McBurnie last season in the Championship.

Whilst it is unknown how they will approach the Premier League, it stands to reason they will employ some similar tactics.

Harry Maguire may be selected then as the defender who can stand up best to the physical test that McBurnie will pose.

The England defender has his weaknesses but what he absolutely stands out at is physically battling with strong attackers and dominating in the aerial game.