Manchester United made it nine wins in a row in all competitions courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Hull City in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho’s men struggled to find a way past a stubborn Hull defence in the first half, but Juan Mata gave the hosts the lead 11 minutes into the second when he finished from Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s header.
The Tigers, in Marco Silva’s second game in charge, defended valiantly with a depleted team, but conceded a second three minutes from time when substitute Marouane Fellaini headed home from an excellent Matteo Darmian cross.
It sealed a comfortable evening for United, and they’ll be confident of getting the job done at the KCOM Stadium in two weeks’ time in a bid to reach a ninth League Cup final.
For Hull, it was a resilient display from Silva’s men, and there are certainly causes to be optimistic ahead of both the second leg and indeed their fight against relegation from the Premier League.
Unsurprisingly, many supporters took to Twitter to express their views on the game, with many United fans more satisfied with the win than their side’s display last night…
Not the best performance tonight @ManUtd but still a good result! Now let's see a big performance on Sunday against Liverpool!! #MUFC
— Sean Mclean (@SeanMacMUFC) January 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/azeemalii/status/818950493070303234
Not a good performance, but a good result nonetheless. Massive 2nd goal by Fellaini, not all the way, but halfway back to Wembley! #MUFC
— J.A.O 🔰❤ (@JuanAnderOnly) January 10, 2017
Not the greatest performance tonight but a 2-0 win will do, onto the big one Sunday #mufc
— Nick Briggs (@N1ckBr1ggs) January 10, 2017
While some were marvelling at the influence £89 million man Paul Pogba had on proceedings…
Pogba is so good…wow…I love it #MUFC #GGMU
— Chad (@thestoryofchad_) January 10, 2017
2nd half performance was a bit better, Pogba motm for me, made some excellent passes, Mata & Mkhi were good too. #MUFC
— Shady (@ShadyWarlordx) January 10, 2017
And many are already turning their attentions to the huge clash against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday…
9 wins in a row #mufc Playing beautiful football, bring on Liverpool on Sunday..
— Aditya Reds (@aditya_reds) January 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/craigbryandavid/status/818955446555987968
Could of easily been 5 or 6 tonight but we'll take 2-0 going into the second leg. Roll on Liverpool on Sunday! #MUFC @ManUtd #GGMU #mufclive
— 111 (@12345679lol) January 10, 2017
Many Hull fans were extremely proud of their side’s efforts last night…
Can't argue with that performance, everyone of the players can hold their heads high. #HCAFC
— Terry Peters (@BearleNation) January 10, 2017
What a superb performance from City. Proud of the boys. Early goal needed in the return leg and you never know. #hcafc
— Peter Radiator (@PeterRadiator) January 10, 2017
A performance of much character and plenty of potential. And given an asst's flag well, who knows what might have happened… #hcafc
— Richard Lusmore (@MisterSlush) January 10, 2017
And some are feeling optimistic for the rest of the season under new man Silva…
https://twitter.com/RBlythe180/status/818956481257242624
#hcafc We may only have half a team, but Silva seems pretty good so far.
— Mike (@brunobrookes) January 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/KDC_LegitHD/status/818940227981021184