Robin van Persie on target as Manchester United put three past Hull City

Manchester United overcame an early hamstring injury to Angel Di Maria to convincingly beat Hull City 3-0 at home.

The hosts were dominant throughout the game with Steve Bruce’s side unable to raise themselves to the level required as the Hull boss celebrated his 700th game as a manager. Hatem Ben Arfa was taken off after just 35 minutes for failing to put the effort track the run of Antonio Valencia.

Chris Smalling opened the scoring on the 16 minute mark shortly after Di Maria was taken off. The ball was bundled over the line by Alan McGregor who was unable to stop the defender’s header in the midst of a goalmouth scramble.

Captain Wayne Rooney doubled United’s lead just before half-time after Robin van Persie laid a long-range pass from Michael Carrick back to the Englishman, who sent the ball into the bottom corner of the goal. The Dutchman then made it 3-0 mid-way through the second half with an emphatic finish.

The win means that United have now won three games in a row for the first time since December 2013. They remain in fourth place while Hull hover over the relegation zone, level on points with QPR and Burnley.

1' – TACTICS: Michael Carrick lines up in midfield after having warmed up with the defenders, wrong-footing Hull City and the pre-match punditry who believed United were lining up with a back three.

12' – SUBSTITUTION: Ander Herrera is being readied on the sidelines. It looks like Di Maria's game is coming to an end with only 12 minutes played at Old Trafford. It looks like a hamstring problem.

23' – CHANCE: Juan Mata started poorly but is now looking dangerous in a more advanced role with Di Maria off the field. He plays a pass through for Rooney who isn't quite quick enough to take advantage of the chance. Mata now looks to be taking the initiative.

56' – CHANCE: Remember Van Persie's salmon-like headed goal against Spain? He almost reproduces it with Carrick providing the long-range delivery from deep in midfield. The Dutchman looked balletic as he jumps into the air to meet the ball but it's tipped over by McGregor as the linesman raises his flag for offside.

68' – SUBSTITUTION: Van Persie may be on the score sheet, but Falcao is being readied to replace him on the sidelines. The Colombian looks over some notes from the coaching staff as United pass it amongst themselves. Hull look well beaten.

According to Infostrada, Hull have not won any of their last 24 Premier League matches when conceding the opening goal since a 3-2 win away at Newcastle United in September 2013.

Their loss at Old Trafford takes that record up to 22 defeats. Given his team’s precarious position in the table, Steve Bruce must find a way of making his side more resilient.

Is it time to drop Robin van Persie? Talk has been growing over whether Van Persie deserves any further starts under Louis van Gaal after a number of flat performances for Manchester United of late. The jury remains out after the win against Hull. The Dutchman had a hand in both of his team’s first half goals and scored a magnificent third in the second half, but the extra dynamism provided by Radamel Falcao when he came on was undeniable. With his movement dropping deep and peeling wide, Van Persie is a useful foil for runners from deep, but his Colombian rival has also shown an ability to play others in while threatening goalkeepers directly.

Ander Herrera (Man Utd): When Angel Di Maria was taken off through injury after 14 minutes, it looked as though it might just be one of those days for United, but Herrera arrived on the field and quickly increased the intensity in midfield. The former Athletic Bilbao midfielder was constantly looking to drive his team forwards and create chances for those ahead of him.

Manchester United: De Gea 6; Valencia 7, Smalling 6, Rojo 7, Young 6; Carrick 7, Fellaini 7, Mata 7, Di Maria 6; Rooney 8, van Persie 7. Subs: Herrera 8, Falcao 6, Fletcher 6.

Hull City: McGregor 5; Elmohamady 6, Davies 6, Dawson 7, Chester 6, Robertson 6; Brady 6, Livermore 5, Diame 6; Ben Arfa 4, Jelavic 5. Subs: Aluko 6, Meyler 6, Quinn 6.