The 3 key battles as Hull City host Manchester United in the League Cup

Abel Hernandez v Phil Jones

Hull’s Abel Hernandez returned from injury a few weeks ago in the 2-0 win over Swansea in the FA Cup, and marked his return to action with a goal in the win.

Since then, the Uruguayan international has looked sharp and focused on his striking role, and netted a brace in their 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League on January 14.

Hernandez put in a man-of-the-match effort against the Cherries that day, and a similar performance full of tenacity, running, and endeavour will cause Phil Jones some problems on Thursday night.

The England international has been dragged in from the cold by Mourinho this season, as the 24-year-old failed to appear in any of their first 17 games of the campaign, but since starting the 3-1 win over Swansea on November 6, he has appeared in all but two of their 14 matches.

It’s been quite the turnaround for Jones, who looked set to leave Old Trafford in the near future, but he’s now a key member of Mourinho’s squad, and will be the one who’ll need to keep Hernandez quiet on Thursday.