The Red Devils will be in a buoyant mood ahead of the fixture having picked an important 2-1 win over arch rivals Arsenal last weekend. It was a match dominated by the Gunners however United proved to be more clinical and after an own goal from defender Kieran Gibbs, Wayne Rooney added another to double United's lead.
Olivier Giroud did pull one back for Arsenal but it was too late to spark any revival and the Red Devils finished the game with three very important points and thereby finishing the week in the top four. Despite of the fact that his team scored an important victory Van Gaal encouraged his players to be more ruthless in their display.
"We have to improve our playing style and beat opponents more easily," said the Dutchman.
"We are still fourth so I am happy, but we have to be at least fourth at the end of the season, not now.”
The United squad has been plagued with various injuries and summer recruit Luke Shaw has been added to the growing list of absentees after the former Southampton man picked up an injury in the match against Arsenal and has been ruled out for a few weeks. Phil Jones, Rafael and Daley Blind will remain on the sidelines but Radamel Falcao and Marcos Rojo could return to the squad for the match against Hull.
However it is not certain that both of United's returning players will be drafted straight into the starting eleven with Van Gaal issuing a warning to all his players.
"Every player has to fight for his position and I shall always pick the best of the players. It has to be a suitable mix," van Gaal said.
Hull on the other hand come into this match after a series of disappointing results. The Tigers have suffered defeats in all of their last three matches and have recorded just a single win in their last 11 Premier League matches.
Their antics have left them in 17th place just one point shy of the relegation zone but manager Steve Bruce is hopeful he can record only his first managerial win over his opponents on Saturday.
“I’ve been going a long time and never been able to beat them. I’ve had a couple of draws, but that’s about it," he said.
“Let’s go and try, play with the enthusiasm we did last week and I’m sure we’ll do OK.
“I need everyone of them to play to a level that will cause Manchester Unite a problem and catch them on a bit of an off day.”
Starting XI for Manchester United: De Gea, Smalling, Carrick, Rojo, Valencia, Fellaini, Mata, Di Maria, Young, Rooney, van Persie
Starting XI for Hull City: McGregor, Chester, Davies, Brady, Livermore, Diame, Jelavic, Dawson, RobertsoN, Elmohamady, Ben Arfa.
Subs for Manchester United: Lindegaard, Blackett, McNair, Fletcher, Herrera, Januzaj, Falcao.
Subs for Hull City: Jakupovic, Rosenior, Bruce, Meyler, Huddlestone, Aluko, Quinn.
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