Wilson leads Man U to win over Hull City
PHUKET: Manchester United’s past and future collided as debutant James Wilson scored twice in a 3-1 win over Hull City on Tuesday that marked the end of stalwart Nemanja Vidic’s Old Trafford career and set tongues wagging about Ryan Giggs.
Wilson, 18 years old and one of two debutants on show, scored in each half before Matty Fryatt pulled one back for Hull and Robin van Persie added a third for United in their final home game of a turbulent season.
Wilson stole the headlines, but an emotional finish to the night focused on those at the other ends of their careers.
Club captain Vidic, who is leaving for Inter Milan in the close season, played his final home match, receiving a memento prior to kickoff from club great Bobby Charlton and a “thank you” from Giggs who addressed the crowd in his role as interim manager at full time.
Giggs had swapped his club suit for a tracksuit and made a substitute appearance that many speculate could be his last.
With United set to appoint a new manager in the close season and Dutchman Louis van Gaal favorite to land the job, the future is uncertain for the 40-year-old Giggs after 963 club appearances and 25 major trophies.
“We know it has been tough this season and over the years we have been spoiled with all the success we have had,” he said clutching a microphone on the Old Trafford pitch.
“But the support this year has been fantastic and I am sure over the coming years we will bring you more success.
“Keep supporting us, you have seen a glimpse of the future. We always give youth a chance and that’s what this club is all about.”
The address was in stark contrast to the celebratory tone of last season’s message delivered by Alex Ferguson, who signed off his 27-year career with a 13th Premier League trophy and an appeal for United fans to stay loyal to his successor David Moyes.
Two weeks after Moyes’ troubled 10-month spell in charge came to an end, United are seventh in table with 63 points, three behind sixth-place Tottenham Hotspur. Hull, who take on Arsenal in the FA Cup final on May 17, stay 15th.
— Reuters
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