Date: 11th January 2017 at 12:08am
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United took one step closer to Wembley with a routine win over Hull City at Old Trafford that had many wondering just how on earth the visitors managed to finish the semi final first leg only two goals down. Goals from Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini gave the Reds the advantage but Hull will take hope from the fact they hit the post and managed to keep the scoreline to a respectable level where there’s still something to play for in the second leg. 

Jose Mourinho seemed satisfied but hardly happy in his post-match interview, saying he expects better from his team and the stadium this Sunday for the visit of Liverpool, a sentiment shared by many fans who expected a poor Hull side to be on the receiving end of a good hiding.

Here’s how the Reds’ players rated:

David De Gea – United’s keeper had little to do but did it well and was only almost beaten by a header from point blank range that hit the post. 6

Antonio Valencia- What a season the Ecuadorian is having, with a series of stunning displays, including this one- the only bad point being his erratic crossing. 8

Phil Jones- The former Blackburn man has been in fine form of late, but wasn’t as assured against Hull as he’s looked in recent weeks. 6

Chris Smalling – Like his defensive partner, Smalling did very little wrong and carried the ball forward well, but does need to show a better reading of the game if he’s to finally kick on from the player who arrived from Fulham. 7

Matteo Darmian- Great cross – with his right foot for Fellaini’s goal but his lack of a left foot is exposed at left back. Obviously. 6

Ander Herrera- As busy as he always is and kept the ball moving around nicely, he just needs to learn how to shoot properly then he’ll be the perfect midfielder. 7

Paul Pogba – Hit the post with a stunning free kick and dictated the pace of the game with a confident display. 7

Henrikh Mkhitaryan- Can carry the ball like few others and is a joy to watch, but was a tad wasteful with his shooting tonight. 7

Juan Mata- Got his goal and was handed the man of the match award but didn’t deserve it as he was far too slow at times when in possession. 7

Marcus Rashford- Easily the quickest player on the pitch and caused Hull no end of problems, just needs to find some consistency with his finishing. 7

Wayne Rooney- Didn’t break Sir Bobby’s record but he should have, not the best night he’s had in a Red shirt. 6

Subs – Anthony Martial – for Rooney- played his part in the second goal and was a source of trouble down the left. 7

Jesse Lingard for Mkhitaryan- busy as usual. 7

Marouane Fellaini – for Mata- got his goal and silenced even more critics. 7

 

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