United aiming to bounce back against Bruce’s Tigers

Ryan Giggs’ first couple of games in charge as interim manager of Manchester United could not have been any different. Against two teams battling relegation, they trounced Norwich 4-1 in the Welshman’s first game in charge and were stunned by Sunderland at home 1-0.

After missing the clash with the Black Cats due to illness and a groin strain, the United coaching staff are hopeful that Wayne Rooney will be available, with the striker being 5/2 to net first. Steve Bruce brings his fourth Premier League club back to the place he spent the majority of his playing career, and has recently urged expected permanent boss Louis van Gaal to find room in his staff for Giggs.

Ex Red Devils centre-half Bruce said: “I’m sure they’ll find a space for him somewhere,” he said. “He will be treated properly, I’m convinced of that. I don’t think he’ll leave.”

Robin van Persie could also return to the starting line-up, after the Dutchman featured as a substitute against Sunderland.

Hull defender James Chester will miss the rest of the campaign after injuring his hamstring at Villa Park, while Sone Aluko is a doubt following an ankle injury.

The Tigers, could be guilty of having one eye on the FA Cup final against Arsenal, with places up for grabs due to strike duo Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic being cup tied. Bruce doesn’t need any added motivation to field a full strength side against his former club, and are 28/1 to repeat Sunderland’s 1-0 scoreline.

Hull, however, have taken only eight points from 18 matches against top half opposition this term, which is the second worst record in the league. Since reaching the FA Cup final they haven’t won, losing twice and coming from two goals behind to draw at Craven Cottage against Fulham.

United are odds-on at 4/11, and for good reason. They have won all five of their Premier League meetings with Hull, and Rooney has struck in each of his last seven appearances. He has also netted four more goals than the Tiger’s three top scorers so far this campaign.

It will be Nemanja Vidic’s last home game, and the defender is expecting an emotional occasion.

“You never know what is going to happen with your emotions,” Vidic said.