Marco Silva full of praise for Hull City players after Old Trafford defeat

PLEASED TO MEET YOU: Hull City manager Marco Silva, right, is greeted by Manchester United counterpart, Jose Mourinho at Old trafford on Tuesday night. Picture : Martin Rickett/PA

Silva was proud of his team’s efforts during Tuesday night’s 2-0 loss to Manchester United in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final at Old Trafford.

The return leg will be held at the KCOM Stadium on Thursday, January 26, by which time the Portugeuese coach will have become a lot more familiar with his squad.

“I think the people work well, I think my boys work well. We will continue our work,” said Silva.

INJURY PILE-UP: Hull City's Markus Henriksen is consoled by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho (left) after being substituted at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA

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“There’s only been four training sessions with me and with many, many things to change I’m happy with the work my players did during this game. The result is not good for us, sure but I’m happy with the work.”

“But I’m happy with the work. Of course I’m not happy with the result. But I’m happy with the work of my players with all the problems we have to prepare for this game.”

On his team’s chances for the return leg in two weeks’ time, Silva admitted United’s second goal coming late on in the game as it did, was a significant blow.

“It’s a pity we suffered the second goal in the last minutes because we tried to keep the result open for the second game,” he added.

“It’s not easy for my team to come here with Man United in a very good moment.

Silva lost two players to injury during the game, with Markus Henriksen forced to depart the field early on due to a shoulder problem and Josh Tymon limping off towards the end.

When asked for an update on that pair, he said: “Markus is maybe more serious. Tymon I think it was only one kick, nothing special.”

Silva was also asked whether Oumar Niasse might join Hull in time to play in their clash with Bournemouth on Saturday, with reports suggesting a fee has been agreed with Everton for the striker.

He said: “We’ll see when it is possible for him to start training with us.”

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