Manchester United vs Hull: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to Saturday’s game at Old Trafford

Louis van Gaal insists midfielder Daley Blind will return sooner rather than later (EPA)

Manchester United will look to maintain fourth place in the table in Saturday’s game against Hull. The Red Devils, who have looked far from solid since the beginning of the season, were able to break into the top four again after their 2-1 win over Arsenal last Saturday.

Radamel Falcao could make his return on Saturday after a long absence and it is yet to be seen whether Robin van Persie will be awarded a place in the starting XI. The Dutch striker, who was the league's top scorer in his first year at United, is clearly struggling from a lack form having only scored three times since the start of the season.

Louis van Gaal, who recently admitted it was stupid of him to ask to assess him after his first three months at Old Trafford, will need to have a think what his defence is going to look like. The Iron Tulip saw Luke Shaw, another defender, leaving the pitch injured in last Saturday’s game.

David de Gea proved once more he is the man who can keep United alive. Another formidable performance by the Spanish goalkeeper last week was one of the reasons United were able to take home the win. De Gea, who seems to be overcoming all uncertainties from his first months at Old Trafford, has been the best player in Van Gaal’s up and down campaign.

Hull will be desperately looking for points this weekend if they want keep themselves out of the relegation zone. Steve Bruce has seen his team only collecting 11 points in 12 games this season so far. The manager saw his side losing 2-1 to Tottenham last week. Hull led 1-0 but saw Gaston Ramirez being red carded after a questionable decision by the referee.

Three points are up for grabs this Saturday. Who will be the hungriest?

Kick-off: 3pm

PAST MEETINGS...

Man Utd 3 (Wilson 31, 61, Van Persie) – 1 (Fryatt) Hull Tue 06 May 2014

Hull 2 (Chester, Meyler) – 3 (Chester, Smalling, Rooney) Man Utd Thur 26 Dec 2013

Man Utd 4 (Rooney 8, 82, 86, 90) – 0 Hull Sat 23 Jan 2010

STATS...

The last time Man Utd lost to Hull was in 1974

Man Utd still has eight players ruled out

Hull have lost their last three games, Man Utd are looking for their third consecutive win

ODDS...

Man Utd to win 1.3

Draw 5.0

Hull to Win 10.0

TV: Match of the Day, BBC1, 10.20pm