Manchester United Team Update: Mkhitaryan waiting for first start, Mourinho praises Hull City manager

Jose Mourinho has a full squad to choose from, with none of his players injured or suspended, as Manchester United prepare to take on another unbeaten team this season in newly promoted Hull City.

The Red Devils have gotten off to a great start this season, beating Bournemouth and Southampton quite comfortably in the opening two games. Hull City have unexpectedly matched that record, beating defending champions Leicester City and winning last week against Swansea City.

Ahead of their match on Saturday, Man United manager Jose Mourinho stated that Hull’s current caretaker manager Mike Phelan deserved the job on a permanent basis, even if the Tigers lose this week.

“I hope he gets the job, but loses the match,” said Mourinho, according to the official club website.

“I think the reality is that he was one of the most successful assistant managers in the country with invaluable experience. Then he was an important right arm to Bruce and now he has the job and has managed to organise the people, organise his team. I think he deserves the job.”

Manchester United have a fully fit side to choose from, and there are no late transfers expected ahead of deadline day. Mourinho is most likely to start a very similar side to the one that began against the Saints last week. The only possible change could be that the Portuguese manager drops Juan Mata for new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Still waiting for a start (Picture Courtesy - JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images) — Still waiting for a start (Picture Courtesy – JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images)

The 27-year-old Armenian play maker joined from Borussia Dortmund this summer, but is yet to start for the Red Devils in the Premier League. While Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial are not likely to be dropped by Mourinho, Mata could give way to last season’s Bundesliga Player’s Player of the Year.

Apart from that, there are unlikely to be any changes. The world’s most expensive transfer Paul Pogba is expected to start alongside Marouane Fellaini in central midfield, with a back four consisting of Luke Shaw, Daley Blind, Eric Bailly and Antonio Valencia. Barring an unexpected turn of events, the undisputed number one David de Gea will definitely start in goal against Hull City.