Evening all! Sports Mole's live League Cup commentary continues from Old Trafford as Manchester United host Hull City in the first leg of their semi-final. Man United are seeking a ninth straight win in all competitions tonight and will be confident of securing an advantage ahead of the return match at Hull on January 26. Can the visitors pull off an upset tonight? Stay tuned to find out!

Tonight's clash will be the 31st time that these two teams have met in all competitions. Man United have won 20 of the previous 30, suffering just five defeats in the process. Incredibly, Hull have not beaten Man United in any competition since November 1974, when they were 2-0 winners on home soil in the old Division Two. It would be fair to say that things have changed at both clubs since then.

In terms of recent history, Man United recorded a 1-0 victory when they travelled to Hull in the Premier League earlier this season courtesy of a late Marcus Rashford strike, while the Red Devils ran out 3-0 winners when they last hosted Hull in the Premier League in November 2014. The pair last met in the League Cup during the 1987-88 campaign and Man United recorded a 6-0 victory over the Tigers.

Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Old Trafford. Both of these teams were in FA Cup third-round action at the weekend – Man United recording a 4-0 win over Reading at Old Trafford and Hull beating Swansea 2-0 on home soil in Marco Silva's first game in charge. Any changes? Let's take a look at the two selections here...

📷 | Marco Silva makes his way to the Visitors' Dressing Room at Old Trafford #MNUHUL pic.twitter.com/STIQ2pnyXz

— Hull City (@HullCity) January 10, 2017

TEAMS!

UNITED: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Darmian; Herrera, Pogba; Mata, Rooney, Mkhitaryan; Rashford

HULL: Jakupovic; Meyler, Maguire, Huddlestone, Robertson; Clucas, Mason, Tymon; Snodgrass, Diomande, Henriksen

Man United boss Jose Mourinho has made seven changes to the team that started Saturday's clash with Reading, with David de Gea, Antonio Valencia, Phil Jones, Matteo Darmian, Andre Herrera, Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all returning to the XI. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, however, is ill and misses out altogether. Marcus Rashford will lead the line in Ibrahimovic's absence, while Wayne Rooney starts as he looks for the one effort that would make him Man United's all-time leading scorer on 250 goals.

As for Hull, the Tigers have serious defensive problems entering this match. First-choice centre-backs Michael Dawson and Curtis Davies are both unavailable through injury, while Jake Livermore is ill. Harry Maguire is fit to start at centre-back, with 17-year-old Josh Tymon also given the nod. Ryan Mason and Markus Henriksen both keep their spots following the Swansea clash at the weekend. Abel Hernandez, meanwhile, is again on the bench as he continues his comeback from a hernia operation.

So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this cold evening in Manchester. I shall speak about the visitors a little bit later, but let's start with Man United, who will enter this match off the back of eight straight wins in all competitions. It has really started to come together under Jose Mourinho following an indifferent start to the season.

© SilverHub

Since drawing 1-1 at Everton in the Premier League on December 4, Man United have beaten Zorya Luhansk in the Europa League, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and West Ham United in the Premier League and Reading in the FA Cup. They are also unbeaten in all competitions since losing 2-1 at Fenerbahce on November 3.

That run of form has seen Mourinho's side qualify for the last-32 stage of the Europa League and the fourth round of the FA Cup, in addition to closing the gap on the top four in the Premier League. They are still sixth in the table, but now just three points behind fourth-place Manchester City and actually just 10 points behind the leaders Chelsea, who lost at Tottenham Hotspur last time out.

Rashford (2) Anthony Martial and Rooney were all on the scoresheet against Reading in the FA Cup on Saturday and the strength of Man United's squad was shown by the fact that the likes of Ibrahimovic, Pogba and Mkhitaryan were left out. Most of the big guns - Ibrahimovic aside - are back tonight and you sense that this could be a very difficult first leg for a struggling Hull outfit.

© SilverHub

In terms of what is ahead for Man United, they have the small matter of a home game against Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend, before visiting Stoke City in the league on January 21. The month then ends with the second leg of this League Cup semi-final against Hull. Next month, meanwhile, will see the return of the Europa League, where French side Saint-Etienne are waiting.

The Red Devils have won the League Cup on four occasions, but have not actually lifted this particular trophy since 2010, when they beat Aston Villa in the final. Mourinho's side have overcome Northampton Town, Man City and West Ham to reach the semi-finals this time around and if they progress, will face either Southampton or Liverpool in the final, who meet in their first leg tomorrow night.

As for Hull, the Tigers are now under the management of Portuguese Marco Silva, who replaced Mike Phelan as head coach on January 5. The 39-year-old made the perfect start to life at the club with a 2-0 win over Swansea in the third round of the FA Cup at the weekend, but his team are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table after 20 matches of the 2016-17 campaign.

📷 | More photos of the players arriving at Old Trafford ahead of tonight's @EFLCup Semi-Final 1st Leg #MNUHUL pic.twitter.com/oVjU6jyv1l

— Hull City (@HullCity) January 10, 2017

Indeed, Hull have only won three of their 20 Premier League matches this season, with a total of 13 points leaving them rooted to the bottom. They are actually only three points from 17th-place Crystal Palace, however, and have a massive home game against Bournemouth at the weekend. To be brutally honest, Silva could have done without this League Cup semi-final at this stage of the campaign.

Hull, who have reached the semi-finals of the League Cup for the first time in their history, overcame Exeter City in the second round of this season's competition, before beating Stoke and Bristol City to make the quarter-finals. The Tigers then booked their spot in the semis after beating Championship side Newcastle United on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the KCOM Stadium.

Goals have been a real problem for Hull this season – finding the back of the net on just 17 occasions in their 20 Premier League matches. Snodgrass has chipped in with seven league goals, but Dieumerci Mbokani is yet to register and Abel Hernandez has only just returned from a long lay-off. Progressing to the final of the League Cup would be a great achievement, but their main focus is the league.

Getting pumped up ahead of kick-off! 💪 #MUFC #EFLCup pic.twitter.com/PGuieJizTh — Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 10, 2017

Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period of action. Nothing will be decided tonight, but Hull cannot afford to take a hiding tonight if they are to stand a chance in the return later this week. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium.

KICKOFF! Man United kick things off on home soil...

... as expected, Man United have taken control of the possession in the early moments of this match. Huddlestone is indeed at centre-back for Hull and you sense that it could be a very difficult night for the midfielder. Mourinho will be expecting a strong performance from his side tonight.

Decent spell for Hull in the last 60 seconds though as they enjoy good possession.

SAVE! Man United come close to taking the lead in the second minute as Darmian finds Mata on the edge of the Hull box, but the Spaniard's effort brings a super save from Jakupovic!

Hull are very deep at the moment, which is not too much of a surprise considering the pace that Man United possess in the final third of the field. The visitors are breaking forward when they have the chance, however, and De Gea has to jump high to collect a deep cross from Sam Clucas.

CHANCE! Another chance for the home side as Darmian delivers a low cross into Rashford, whose effort goes across goal and almost falls for Rooney, but Robertson manages to block!

Diomande will be asked to use his sizeable frame to allow Hull some forward possession in this match and the visitors have had some very positive moments in the opening nine minutes here. No chances to report for the Tigers, but they have been able to find some dangerous positions.

Maguire bullies his way through a host of challenges before having a pop, but De Gea collects.

Just a few signs of frustration from Man United in the last couple of minutes as Hull continue to sit deep and squeeze out another period of pressure. Hull had to get through the opening 10, 15 minutes of this match without conceding and it has been a decent start for the Tigers tonight.

Rashford had a lot of space during Man United's FA Cup clash with Reading at the weekend, but Hull are sitting very deep and it is a tactic that is working at the moment. This contest is just 15 minutes old, however, and the home side are having a lot of the ball in dangerous positions here.

Hull have a problem here as Henriksen stays down following a collision with Pogba.

It does not look good for Henriksen, who took a blow from the muscular Pogba.

Henriksen leaves the field on his feet, which is good news, but there looks to be some damage to his shoulder and Hull are going to have to make an early change here, which is far from ideal.

Maguire blocks a strike from Rooney as Hull are forced to play on with 10 men for the moment.

CHANCE! Super chance for the home side as Mata shows wonderful feet to dance past the challenge of Mason before finding Mkhitaryan, but the Armenian fires wide!

HULL SUB! Hernandez has replaced Henriksen for the away side.

Mkhitaryan has a pop from outside the Hull box and it actually causes a problem for Huddlestone following a deflection off Rooney. Huddlestone takes no chances, however, and clears his lines. Mkhitaryan then gets it wrong with a deep cross and Hull can restart with a goal-kick here.

Again it is super feet from Mata in a tight position, but the Spaniard's effort is blocked as Hull survive another dangerous moment. Man United are utterly dominant at the moment.

Another half-chance for the home side as Mkhitaryan works some space just outside the Hull box, but the Armenian misses the target once again. He could have had two already tonight.

Hull have the chance to threaten from a set piece in an advanced position, but Snodgrass puts too much weight on the ball and Man United resume play from the dead-ball line. Still goalless here.

Anywhere will do for the away side at the moment, but the ball just keeps coming back as Man United continue to create dangerous situations. Valencia decides to release one after watching the ball bounce inside the Hull box, but his effort is high and wide. Hull need a period of possession.

SAVE! Jakupovic tips a long-range Pogba effort over the crossbar!

CLOSE! Rashford is not too far away as the centre-forward collects a cute pass from Pogba before firing one just over the away side's crossbar. Man United really should be ahead here.

POST! Wonderful chance for the away side to take the lead as Diomande finds himself free following a free kick inside the Man United box, but the number 20's header hits the post!

Another shooting opportunity for Man United and Herrera cannot resist, but the Spaniard's effort was always too high. Just a few signs of frustration from the home supporters in the last few moments.

Hull have a free kick in a dangerous area as Mkhitaryan brings Diomande to the deck...

... Snodgrass fires his set piece straight into the Man United wall.

Snodgrass cuts inside before releasing one towards the Man United goal, but it is comfortable for De Gea during a pretty low-key period of this match. It has not been a great half of football here.

Little over five minutes of the first period remaining at Old Trafford and we are still goalless. Man United have dominated the possession and certainly had the better chances, but Hull hit a post through Diomande and have had some really decent moments. Silva will be delighted with his side.

BOOKING! Maguire (Hull) is booked for a poor challenge on Mkhitaryan.

Pogba looks to have a free header inside the Hull box after a super cross from Valencia, but the midfielder decides to leave the ball for Mkhitaryan and the Armenian does not read it!

SAVE! De Gea has to be alert to keep out a low strike from Hernandez.

Pogba has another strike from distance, but it is a pretty comfortable save for the Hull goalkeeper, who can be very pleased with his work in the first period. Still goalless at Old Trafford tonight.

CHANCE! Mkhitaryan drives forward and releases a wonderful pass into Rashford, but the Englishman cannot get a clean shot away and Rooney might have put him off!

We are into the second of four additional minutes at the end of the first period.

It has been a really frustrating first period for Man United, but Hull must be credited for their defensive work. Still a lot of football to be played tonight, however. Mourinho is already down the tunnel.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period of this League Cup semi-final to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. Man United have dominated the possession and indeed had the better chances, but Hull have also had a number of positive moments. So far, so good for the Tigers here.

STATISTICS! Man United have dominated the possession with 71%, while they have had 13 attempts, but just three of those were on target. Hull, meanwhile, hit the target with three of their four attempts in that first period. Just the one yellow card - Hull's Maguire in the 39th minute.

BENCH WATCH! Lingard, Martial and Fellaini are among the options on the Man United bench tonight and it would not be a surprise to see at least one of those in the second period. Hull, meanwhile, have already been forced into a change tonight - Hernandez taking the place of Henriksen, who picked up a shoulder problem. Maloney and Weir remain in reserve for the away side tonight.

HT: #MUFC 0 Hull 0. Plenty of chances, with @JuanMata8 and @HenrikhMkh going closest, but it's goalless at the interval. #EFLCup pic.twitter.com/kNhwdFI5Qy — Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 10, 2017

RESTART! Hull resume the action at Old Trafford...

... no changes from either side at the interval, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will already have alterations in mind as the second period develops here.

CHANCE! Pogba finds Mkhitaryan with a sensational pass and the Armenian is through, but his final touch is just too heavy and the Hull goalkeeper comes out to make the save.

Hull are still very, very deep and you have to think that Man United will continue to create chances in the second period. The home side's finishing tonight, however, has been disappointing!

Clucas delivers a dangerous cross into the Hull box following smart work from Snodgrass, but the cross is just too strong and Man United resume the play at Old Trafford from the dead-ball line.

CHANCE! Rooney! So close! Pogba releases his captain with a quite stunning pass and the striker fires the ball towards the bottom corner, but he just misses the far post!

You have to feel that the first goal is coming as Man United continue to put the pressure on this Hull outfit, who are dropping deeper and deeper. Martial has again been sent to warm-up and I suspect that we could see the Frenchman sooner rather than later if the first goal does not come.

Valencia finds Pogba on the edge of the Hull box and the midfielder swings his boot at the ball, but Meyler again makes a smart block as another chance comes and goes for the dominant hosts.

Finally Man United take the lead in the 56th minute as Mkhitaryan heads a Valencia cross towards the far post and Mata is on hand to tap home from close range. Hull are behind at Old Trafford.

Martial is about to enter proceedings for the home side, which is not the news that Hull wanted. It might well be for Rooney, who has only really had one chance for the record strike tonight.

MAN UNITED SUB! Martial replaces Rooney for the home side.

Pogba scoops one high of the Hull target once again.

Still a solid 30 minutes of football to play at Old Trafford and Man United will be looking for at least one more goal ahead of the second leg at the KCOM Stadium later this month.

It has been a decent response from Hull as they enjoy a period of possession in the Man United half of the field. That said, De Gea has not been tested in any way, shape or form since the break.

CHANCE! Diomande goes for the spectacular at the far post after meeting a cross from Meyler, but the attacker's over-head kick effort is over the crossbar. Some effort!

Just a reminder that both managers still have two permitted changes remaining and it would not be a surprise to see Jesse Lingard for Man United in the latter stages of this match. Hull are really limited in terms of experienced options, but Silva could be considering throwing on a wildcard here.

Half-chance for the home side as Herrera delivers a super cross towards Martial and the Frenchman looks to head home at the far post, but Meyler does so well to make the clearance.

MAN UNITED SUB! Lingard replaces Mkhitaryan for the home side.

Man United have a free kick in a dangerous are as Rashford is felled by Martial...

... POST! Pogba's wonderful free kick hits the post!

That is so unlucky from Pogba. It was such a wonderful strike from the Frenchman.

HULL SUB! Maloney replaces Diomande for the away side.

Maloney is straight into the action and fires wide of the post from outside the Man United box.

Little over 10 minutes of football remaining at Old Trafford and it is still 1-0 to the home side, with Mata's goal the difference between the two teams as things stand. Still very open this tie.

MAN UNITED SUB! Fellaini replaces Fellaini for the home side.

Rashford uses his electric pace to meet a through ball from Martial and deliver towards Lingard, but Hull's goalkeeper is on hand to claim as we enter the final 10 minutes of this semi-final first leg.

Again it is stunning pass from Rashford as he runs away from tired legs before delivering into the Hull box, but Meyler is on hand to make the clearance as the score remains 1-0 here.

Valencia has to head behind at the far post as Clucas looks to connect on a super cross from Snodgrass, who has once again been Hull's best player on the night. Still time for the visitors.

Man United have their second of the night in the 87th minute as Darmian delivers a terrific cross towards the head of Fellaini and the Belgian loops his header over the Hull goalkeeper for 2-0!

SAVE! Jakupovic saves a close-range effort from Martial!

We are into the first of four additional minutes at Old Trafford.

HULL SUB! James Weir replaces Tymon for the away side.

Hull have impressed for long stages of this match, but Man United have always been in control and it is no surprise that they have scored a couple of goals in the second period at Old Trafford.

Possession football from the hosts as we approach full-time at Old Trafford.

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Man United running out 2-0 winners over Hull in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final. It is now nine straight wins for the Red Devils. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the live action once again. Until next time!