MANCHESTER UNITED 3 HULL CITY 0
Manchester United - Smalling 16', Rooney 42', Van Persie 66'
European football correspondent
MANCHESTER // Manchester United's improvement continues. In recording their fifth win in six home games since an opening day defeat to Swansea City, Louis van Gaal's side remain in the top four of the English Premier League, their target for this season.
A third consecutive United win for the first time in 11 months had additional benefits as a woeful Hull City were defeated 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Out-of-form striker Robin van Persie scored a much needed goal and left the field to a standing ovation as he was replaced by Radamel Falcao, the Colombian forward fit to leave the bench after four games absent through injury.
“Every striker needs a goal and I’m pleased and happy for him,” said Van Gaal, “but I’m sure that he can play better than he played today.”
Wayne Rooney and defender Chris Smalling – whose last goal came at Hull 11 months ago – were the other goalscorers for United, who started with just two recognised defenders in an attacking formation.
Unlike in the majority of their games so far this season, United started well and finished strongly.
“It’s the first match we’ve dominated from the first minute to the last in a way that I like. I was very pleased,” Van Gaal said.
There were, however, more of the injury concerns which have plagued United’s season.
Rooney limped off at the end before telling his manager that he was fit to play in the next game, while winger Angel Di Maria limped off after 16 minutes to become United’s 41st injury of the season.
The Argentine had clutched his leg and his manager suspects that he pulled a hamstring after accelerating and will not play against Stoke City on Tuesday, but replacement Ander Herrera was excellent – as were the three other midfielders who played in a diamond formation.
Much of what United did well went through Juan Mata, while Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini showed evidence of a greater understanding as they completely dominated passing and possession.
Their task was made easier by an ineffective Hull. Steve Bruce’s side have lost four in succession and sit precariously in 17th.
“It was a very difficult afternoon for us,” said Bruce, the former United captain who was applauded by the home fans before his 700th game as manager. “You can’t make the mistakes in the Premier League that we made today. We gifted them goals.”
Bruce said that he “knew the first half of the season would be difficult away from home” but his side were so poor that he substituted the anonymous Hatem Ben Arfa after 35 minutes.
Hull defended deeply and tackled reluctantly, inviting United to build and put pressure on their beleaguered back five. They did not think twice about accepting.
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