LONDON,

Jan 11,

(Reuters),

Fellaini helps United to 2-0 win over Hull in League Cup semi

MANCHESTER United turned frustration into jubilation as they planted one foot in the League Cup final after a late Marouane Fellaini header gave them a 2-0 win over Hull City in the first leg of their last four clash.

Juan Mata had given United the lead early in the second half, but their failure to kill off the tie when comfortably on top had left the home fans fearing a testing return encounter as the seconds ticked away at Old Trafford.
The hosts had spurned several chances to put the tie to bed, with Paul Pogba rattling the post, before substitute Fellaini gave Jose Mourinho’s side some breathing space when he rose at the far post to head home with three minutes remaining.

The victory kept the Portuguese coach on course for a first trophy at the club and continued United’s superb recent form with a ninth successive victory in all competitions, but the demanding Mourinho was far from satisfied with what he saw.

“I was a bit disappointed yes,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think we were a bit sloppy, overcomplicating things, always delaying the decision, giving them time to regroup... In the second half we all improved a little bit, just a little bit.”

In only his second game as Hull boss, fellow Portuguese Marco Silva had to deal with an injury crisis that left him with only 14 fit senior players and there was a makeshift look about them as United took control early on.