Manchester United’s congested fixture list offers a brief moment of respite in the shape of relegation-threatened Hull City. Playing at Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils are strong favourites to notch a comfortable victory. The Tigers have notably improved since the appointment of Marco Silva, but are unlikely to really trouble a Manchester United side that

The Tigers have improved since the appointment of Marco Silva as their manager, but are unlikely to really trouble a Man United side that are now performing somewhere near to their potential.

With cup competitions having dominated the last week of matches for Mourinho’s men, a return to league action could be a little surreal. Hull were the victims as they strode into the EFL Cup final, meaning that this is the clubs’ third meeting in 2017 already - they are probably sick to death of one other, and understandably so.

Hull have little to lose at Old Trafford tonight, but Man United, on the other hand, must secure a victory to maintain their charge towards the top four.

Mourinho, though, should utilise some of his rarely seen squad members, and here are THREE options for him...

Anthony Martial

Mourinho told Martial to be magnificent in the FA Cup. Magnificent he was not, but the Frenchman certainly did enough to warrant another start. Credited with two assists and a disallowed goal, the former Monaco forward is producing goals and assists at a better rate than he was last season, but he cannot seem to hold a place down in the team.

Manchester United have suffered from a lack of pace in the final third at times this season, and Martial brings that in abundance. Continuing to leave him out the team risks upsetting the player and ManUnited cannot afford to lose one of the world’s best youngsters.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Schweinsteiger’s long-awaited return to first-team action did not disappoint. Awarded Man of the Match by some, the German really did show that class is permanent vs. Wigan on the weekend. His legs may struggle with a start against Hull, but he should feature in some capacity, and his availability will take the strain off of Michael Carrick and offer another experienced option from the bench.

The former Bayern man deserves further opportunity after his display at the weekend. He could yet be a key member in Manchester United’s season.

Luke Shaw

We were all treated to a rare glimpse of Luke Shaw at the weekend. Shaw’s career is stalling at the moment and, although the short gap between fixtures could be an issue, he deserves a run in the team to prove just how good he is. This match may come a day or two too soon for the former Saint, but, even if he cannot start this match, Mourinho must give him another spot in the starting line-up as soon as possible.

Shaw’s future at Man United will depend on how the next few months go for him. His relationship with Jose Mourinho is already rocky and it is hard to see that recovering if he is continually left out of the squads for the coming matches.