Hull City Face Manchester United in First Top-Flight Test Since 2017

Hull City Face Manchester United in First Top-Flight Test Since 2017

Hull City's return to the Premier League begins with a daunting assignment: Manchester United at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, August 22 (12:30pm kick-off). Michael Carrick takes his first competitive match as Hull's opponent after being confirmed as United's permanent manager, having steadied the club to a top-four finish and a Champions League return following his January appointment as interim boss after Ruben Amorim's dismissal.

Team News

Hull face a significant injury crisis, with as many as 12 players unavailable, including goalkeeper Jack Butland, defender John Egan and midfielder Hidemasa Morita. Joe Gelhardt is also set to miss the opening weeks with an ankle injury. Manchester United will be without eight players of their own, though captain Bruno Fernandes is expected to start, alongside £50 million summer signing Andrey Santos, who has impressed in pre-season.

Context

Hull have spent around £70 million rebuilding their squad this summer. The clubs' last Premier League meeting ended 0-0, in a season that finished with Hull relegated by six points.

For the full model breakdown and predictions on this and other fixtures, visit our predictions page.