Hull City’s relegation fate was sealed at the KC Stadium after failing to win against Manchester United, a 0-0 draw condemning the Tigers to Championship football next season.
Steve Bruce’s men created the best chances of the match, but could not find a way past the impressive Victor Valdez, who made his first start for the Red Devils after David De Gea’s injury at home to Arsenal.
Wholesale changes ahead for Hull
The summer signings of Mohamed Diame, Hatem Ben Arfa and Abel Hernandez seem an age ago. Forced into a squad revamp ahead of next season, with the underperforming big names to be shipped off – the club is not helped in terms of its market position. With the higher profile names at the club presumably wanting to jump ship ahead of the Championship campaign, Hull may have to part ways with some players for a cut-price fee.
The experienced Michael Dawson is likely to find a top-flight suitor, along with Tom Huddlestone, Ahmed El-Mohammody – at least they are the relatively obvious ones.
Robbie Brady’s stocks will continue to rise with another season in the first team, as the scope for improvement Manchester United youth product has been apparent throughout an inconsistent team effort.
Tom Ince’s impressive form for Derby County should see him attract the attention of Premier League clubs, especially seeing as the 23-year-old only has a year left on his contract with the Tigers.
Dame N’Doye’s five goals in 14 appearances since his deadline day signing puts him in good stead ahead of next season, and the two years left on his contract ensure that if he is to leave, Hull should be compensated handsomely.
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A world class centre forward should be next on the shopping list
With Radamel Falcao confirming his exit from the club, and a campaign where United rarely sparked in the final third, Louis van Gaal will be scouring Europe for an elite marksman.
There has always been a distinct lack of football club chairmen looking to offload top talent, but with Financial Fair Play (FFP) being introduced by UEFA, transfers between top clubs has occurred with greater regularity.
Wayne Rooney’s distaste for sacrificing his goalscoring abilities has been subdued in recent times, but it now looks as though the 30-year-old would now be best utilised as a playmaker, lacking the requisite speed to torment truly great defences. Third on the club’s all-time goalscorer list, Rooney’s long-term future will be decided by his ability to evolve his game, as Ryan Giggs did.
A predatory forward is, in an attacking sense, the final piece in the puzzle. The signing of Memphis Depay adds to the already-handsome attacking stocks.
Furthermore, a three month break for the likes of Angel Di Maria, Robin van Persie, Luke Shaw, Daley Blind and Marouane Fellaini, whose off-season included competing the 2014 FIFA World Cup, will be much-welcomed as United look to overcome to sluggishness of this season.
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