Hull City 0-0 Manchester United - 5 Talking Points

Hull City vs Manchester United

Manchester United drew curtains to their season after an unconvincing draw at KC Stadium which resulted in heartbreak for Steve Bruce and Hull as they got relegated after the last minute drama. It was a game which summed up Manchester United’s season in very aptly. Injuries, sending off and failure to stamp their authority in games where the opposition have a go at them.

Here are the five talking points from this exciting draw in Yorkshire.

Angel Di Maria’s woes continue

Angel di Maria

Manchester United’s marquee signing has had a tumultuous debut season in England. He started with a flurry his impact started waning without a trace post his first injury in October. Not only he was dealing with on-field issues but also had to contend with hassles off it as well. His home got burgled in and British media’s incessant pressure made life more difficult for him.

Today, the wily Argentine was handed a rare start in 2015 but sadly he couldn’t make most of the opportunity. He spookily injured himself after a clash with Elmohamady as the former Real Madrid man was taken off in just 23 minutes.

He was coming to grips with the game but when it seemed he had got a bit of his rhythm he hobbled off with an injury. It seems 2014-15 wasn’t the year for him to really take the league by storm. Maybe we will see an improved and more confident di Maria next season, provided he stays at Old Trafford.

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Heartbreak for Bruce and Hull City Tigers

David Meyler (L) consoles Stephen Quinn (R) after the final whistle of the match

Steve Bruce gets relegated for the second time in his managerial career. It was a fall from grace for Hull City this season after the highs of last season. After securing European football with an FA Cup final last season, this season was a huge downer for Steve Bruce and his boys.

The Tigers started the season very brightly and looked set to build on the success of last season. But a woeful run of form since December and everything has been a lost cause for them. The main reason for their slump is the lack of goals up front. Hull’s premier striker is Abel Hernandez hasn’t scored since October speaks volumes about their potency.

This fact was reiterated today when Hull failed to convert numerous glorious opportunities which could have set the game beyond United’s grasp. It has been a really disappointing season for Hull City, after the amount of investment they made.

Victor Valdes’ impressive debut

Victor Valdes during the game against Hull

David de Gea missed the final game of the season due to the hip injury he suffered in last week’s clash against Arsenal. Victor Valdes started his first game in over 15 months after suffering that horrific injury in his last game for Barcelona.

The Spaniard impressed with his overall display as he made some world-class saves especially in the second half where he parried away a thunderous drive from Nikica Jelavic. Valdes looked shaky in the initial stages especially when Hull City pumped the ball in the United’s box. Although, there were one or two small mistakes, he gave a strong message to United fans and management regarding his candidature for the No.1 spot next season.

With the speculation over De Gea’s future getting stronger by the day, Valdes is giving a glimpse into his class at the opportune time. The former Barcelona man may take a season or two to get settled and accustomed to the English way but once he is into his stride very few keepers in the world can match his class and caliber.

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Fellaini’s Folly

Marouane Fellaini received a red card for this late tackle on Paul McShane

Marouane Fellaini has been a revelation this season under Louis van Gaal. From being one of the Moyes’ outcasts to becoming Manchester United’s pivotal figure in midfield, the Belgian has had a meteoric rise to prominence at Old Trafford. The burly midfielder gave United’s midfield a decent amount of steel and physicality which helped them in having a turnaround in 2015

Today, he was rested and was on the bench for the Reds. He came on to replace Ashley Young in 59th minute and he was disappointing to say the least. Not that his performance was pathetic, in fact, he brought some respite to United’s back four who were being bombarded by the Hull midfielders with long balls. But his moment of madness undid all his work as he was sent off for a silly foul on Hull City’s Paul Mcshane, which saw blood spurt out from his head.

The former Everton midfielder would be happy with his contribution for United this season but would have hoped for a better end to his best season in a red shirt.

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Young Reds flatter to deceive

Adnan Januzaj

Adnan Januzaj and James Wilson made a rare appearance for the first team as United slumbered to a goalless draw. Both the young prodigies have had a fairly dull season after their promising debut seasons.

Adnan Januzaj in particular, has been very disappointing after impressing in his debut season under David Moyes. He drew comparisons to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and he looked set to build on his impressive start. But alas, he failed to step up under Van Gaal and was reduced to a mere squad player. The Belgian lad has been touted to be a world class player, he was very much off colour for most of his 70 minutes.

On the other hand, there is one more youngster who after showing flashes of his brilliance has been marred by a slew of injuries. James Wilson is one of the best forwards in the Old Trafford’s youth ranks right now, but his development has been hampered.

A player who is backed by former United prodigy in Ryan Giggs, he surely didn’t disappoint as much as Januzaj. The young Englishman was impressive with his display as his pace gave Hull’s defense ample troubles.

Manchester United is famed for nurturing young talent, and would want both of their brightest talents to fire all cylinders sooner rather than later.