Premier League giants Manchester United, currently level on points with arch-rivals Manchester City, will look to complete their first hat-trick of wins in EPL 2016-17 on Saturday. Jose Mourinho's side take on Hull City at the KCOM Stadium.
United, which are on top of the table with Manchester City right behind them, are coming into the game at the back of wins against Bournemouth and Southampton in their previous two gameweeks in the EPL this season. New acquisition Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in hot form already, as he has three goals from the previous two matches, and looks hungry for more.
Hull City, led by interim manager Mike Phelan, the former assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at United, have a very stiff challenge now to get a good result against the star-studded Red Devils side. However, having said that, after giving a short glance at the Premier League and judging by their recent form, it will be foolish for United not to take Hull City seriously.
Phelan's side are currently third in the EPL 2016-17 table and they earned a shock 2-1 victory against defending champions Leicester City, before going to win once again against Swansea City.
"When I stand on the touchline this weekend, I will feel good and proud, very proud, of the Hull players on the field. But I will also feel proud of some of those on the other side, who I have worked with and helped along their journey at United," said Phelan ahead of the game. "It's another tough Premier League test for us on Saturday. It will be hard, but the players are relishing the challenge."
United veteran Wayne Rooney, who has enjoyed good times with Phelan in the past, also wished him the best. "He obviously worked with Sir Alex Ferguson for a long time and played under him," said Rooney. "Hull have started off great this season and I'm sure if he gets the opportunity to manage full time, he'll do a good job."
Neither of the teams has a major injury concern ahead of the game.
Premier League 2016-17: Hull City vs Manchester United is scheduled to kick-off at 5:30 p.m. BST (10 p.m. IST, 12:30 p.m. EST) on Aug. 27.
Where to watch live:
India: TV: Star Sports 4, Star Sports Select HD 1. Live streaming: starsports.com, Hotstar.
UK: TV: BT Sport 1, BT Sport 4k UHD. Live streaming: BT Sport Live.
USA: TV: NBC Sports Network. Live streaming: NBC Sports Live.