Eldin Jakupovic stars as Hull hold Manchester United to dent top four hopes

Hull City moved off the bottom of the Premier League table courtesy of a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The hosts were ponderous and rarely troubled Hull in a drab first-half. Paul Pogba spurned their one and only chance when he was denied by Eldin Jakupovic at point-blank range.

Wayne Rooney replaced Michael Carrick at the break as Jose Mourinho looked to inject some creativity in midfield but still United failed to improve.

Juan Mata was brought on as their desperation grew and the perfect opportunity fell the Spaniard’s way shortly after, but Jakupovic produced an inspired save to keep the hosts at bay.

Hull then carved out a couple of chances of note as the match drew to a close. First Lazar Markovic hit the post with David de Gea beaten before Abel Hernandez got the ball caught under his feet when he was clear through on goal.

United threatened in the dying stages through Marcos Rojo and then Pogba but still there was no way past a determined Jakupovic.

The result leaves United four points off the top four while Hull move off the bottom of the table.

What does Anthony Martial have to do to get a game for Manchester United? The winger was by far the best player on the park in his side’s FA Cup triumph against Wigan Athletic at the weekend but it wasn’t deemed good enough for Jose Mourinho who opted for Marcus Rashford on the left-side. It would have made sense to bring the 21-year-old on as United chased a winner, but instead the manager looked to Juan Mata who was quite frankly terrible last time out and wasn’t much better here.

Eldin Jakupovic (Hull City) – The goalkeeper was phenomenal throughout, but his goal-line effort to deny Mata must be one of the best saves of the season thus far. He was well protected by the inspirational Harry Maguire at centre-back.

Man Utd: De Gea 6, Valencia 7, Jones 7, Rojo 6, Blind 6, Carrick 5, Herrera 5, Mkhitaryan 5, Pogba 6, Rashford 5, Ibrahimovic 5. Subs: Mata 5, Rooney 5, Smalling 6.

Hull City: Jakupovic 8, Tymon 7, Dawson 7, Maguire 7, Robertson 7, Meyler 6, Huddlestone 7, Markovic 7, Goebel 6, Clucas 6, Niasse 5. Subs: Hernandez 5, Ranocchia 5, Elabdellaoui 5.

40’ - CHANCE! Finally United unlock the Hull defence... but there's no way past Jakupovic. Carrick finds Ibrahimovic whose one-touch pass slides through Pogba but the Frenchman hits it straight at the goalkeeper who tips the ball over the bar.

59’ - CHANCE! Ibrahimovic spurns a golden opportunity to put United ahead! Valencia sends a cross into the area, Rashford heads it down for Rooney who swings and misses the ball completely, it falls for his strike partner who sends his effort wide on the half-volley from a few yards out. Comical stuff.

72’ - FANTASTIC SAVE! Jakupovic saves on the line to deny Mata who looked certain to score at the back post after meeting Smalling's header. What a sitter.

85’ – HULL STRIKE THE WOODWORK! Markovic is denied by the post, De Gea was beaten. Agonising for Hull!