Before yesterday's game between Manchester United and Hull City, much has been made about Sir Alex Ferguson's team selections. Fergie did choose a very young team, the average age was only 23.
Kuszczak, Rafael, Neville, Brown, De Laet, Nani, Gibson, Fletcher, Martin, Macheda and Welbeck all started. Amos, Tosic, Possebon, R.Eckersley, Evans, Drinkwater and James were all on the bench.
Hull started off the better team which wasn't much of a surprise. Hull had a few corners in the first few minutes, Geovanni did cause a moment of panic in the defence but they dealt with it.
There was a lot of tension in the KC Stadium yesterday, Hull could have been relegated but all they had to do was equal or beat Newcastle's score and they would be safe.
Fagen had a good chance to put Hull ahead, he was put through on goal but his first touch was a bit to heavy and Kuszczak was out to collect the ball.
Man United's goal came from some great passing and possession, Welbeck kept hold of the ball just inside the Hull half, he ran towards goal and passed it to Nani. Nani took the ball closer to goal towards the right and put in a cross Welbeck's header was no way near going on goal, it was running out for a throw in but Macheda managed to keep it in. Macheda had support from Gibson, Macheda passes to Gibson and he hits a stunning 30 yard goal from the left.
Moments after the goal, Nani got the ball to Martin, his ball in got to Macheda who should have scored but Myhill was there to save for Hull. At the other end Dawson's ball in was headed over the bar by Turner.
Welbeck had a great move, he took the ball from Man United's half, ran at the defence who stood off but his shot on goal went slightly wide. Macheda had another chance when he also ran at the defence and his shot also went slightly wide.
One of Hull's best efforts fell to Dawson whose shot was saved by Kuszczak, Hull had a corner but nothing came of it.
Second half and Kuszczak had to block Barmby's header which gave them a corner, Turner's header from the corner was easily caught by Kuszczak.
Man United's youngsters were a lot better than Hull throughout the first and second half, Hull looked almost happy to sit back and stop Man United scoring a second rather than getting themselves a goal which would mean that Newcastle had to beat Aston Villa.
Second half and the best chance of this half fell to United but it was nearly a Hull City player who put it into the back of the net. Welbeck found Rafael on the right, Rafael's great ball in was nearly put into the back of the net by Hull's Turner but instead United had a corner.
62 minutes in R.Eckersley was brought on for Rafael, no surprises there. Rafael could feature for United this Wednesday against Barcelona.
Macheda had a few shots wide throughout the match and that continued in the second half, it is good to see him shooting even if they do go wide, Macheda doesn't lack any confidence in himself at all.
Defender Eckersley had a great effort when him and Martin played a one-two, Eckersley's shot went just wide of the post but it was a good effort.
81 minutes in and Hull had their best chance of the second half when Turner flicked his header on towards goal, the ball looked like it was going to loop over Kuszczak but he did manage to grab it.
4 minutes were added on but the match finished Hull City 0-1 Manchester United. Hull had a nervous few seconds to find out the Newcastle and Middlesbrough scores. Newcastle lost 1-0 at Villa Park and down in London, Middlesbrough lost 2-1 to West Ham. This meant that Newcastle, Middlesbrough and West Brom (they were relegated last week) will all be playing in the Championship next season.
Man United's youngsters did really well yesterday, they looked strong at the back, there was some great play, they had possession and quite a few chances. We should have really scored a few goals but this will be some vital experience for them.
