Return of Abel Hernandez and double signing strengthens Hull City

The Uruguayan has twice come off the bench in the past week after recovering from the hernia surgery that kept him out for 10 games.

A goal against Swansea City in last Saturday’s FA Cup win underlined what Hull had been missing in the absence of last season’s top scorer. “It is great to have him back,” said Livermore.

“He is a fantastic player and maybe something we have missed.

“He is a predator and his hold-up play isn’t bad either, as we saw for the second goal against Swansea. He can only add to our squad and we are delighted to have him back.

“We have been unfortunate with a few injuries. Right-back being one, centre-halves another. Obviously, without Abel up front, goals have been difficult as well. Hopefully, we can get all these players back on the field soon under the new manager.”

Hull return to their survival bid tomorrow at home to Bournemouth. It is a huge game, not least because Hull’s four league assignments after tomorrow are trips to Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, plus a home clash against Liverpool.

Livermore, absent through illness at Old Trafford as the Tigers lost 2-0 in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final with the FA Cup holders, is expected to return at centre-half after once again filling in admirably against the Swans amid an injury crisis.

“I will do whatever job I have to do for the team,” added Livermore, when asked about moving from his usual midfield place.

“I think whoever is in charge knows that.

“I enjoy it back there and I enjoy it in midfield. At the end of the day the most important thing is that the lads got off to a winning start under the new manager. Hopefully, we can push on from that.”

New head coach Marko Silva is hoping to conclude deals to sign Everton striker Ouman Niasse and Porto playmaker Evandro Goebel before the visit of the Cherries to bolster a squad so decimated by injury he could only name six substitutes at Old Trafford.

Markus Henriksen and Josh Tymon were also injured in that League Cup tie to add to Hull’s problems ahead of such a crucial league clash.

“That has been our luck this season,” said Livermore.

“But we can’t keep dwelling on injuries, management, fans boycotting or whatever it is. We just need to get on with the job in hand and, at this moment in time, that is about winning football matches.

“That is what we deserve as a team, as a fan base and as a club. In the last few weeks, we have deserved a bit of a break.”