Manchester United vs. Hull City, Live: McNair dropped, Falcao back, Van Persie starts

It's another surprising lineup from Louis van Gaal as United gear up to face Hull City.

The 3-5-2 system persists, but a bizarre midfield consisting of Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Angel Di Maria is at the centre of it. Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia are on the flanks, with Wayne Rooney and, sigh, Robin van Persie.

Paddy McNair is also replaced by Marcos Rojo in the back three, with Michael Carrick and Chris Smalling in the other two centre-back positions.

While Rojo probably comes in to satiate Van Gaal's obsession with having a left-footer in the position, McNair has performed far better than Smalling in the past few games. That midfield looks highly dodgy. And it's difficult to imagine what Van Persie would have to do to get dropped at this point.

Manchester United starting lineup (3-5-2): David de Gea; Chris Smalling, Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo; Antonio Valencia, Juan Mata, Marouane Fellaini, Angel di Maria, Ashley Young; Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie.

Subs: Anders Lindegaard, Tyler Blackett, Paddy McNair, Adnan Januzaj, Ander Herrera, Radamel Falcao, Darren Fletcher.