Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is ready to experiment with a new centre-back partnership against Hull in the League Cup.

With Eric Bailly on international duty ahead of the African Cup of Nations and Marcos Rojo suffering a calf injury, it could mean Chris Smalling and Phil Jones start alongside each other.

Smalling has recently overcome a toe injury to start two of the last three games, though neither was alongside Jones.

The Red Devils have arrived at their team hotel ahead of tonight's League Cup semi-final against Hull as bids to guide his side to a cup final in his debut season in charge.

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The Red Devils comfortably beat Reading 4-0 to extend their win streak to eight games, while the Tigers, now with Marco Silva in charge, beat Swansea to get the Portuguese's reign off to a good start.

Mourinho has wished his compatriot all the best ahead of their meeting - except on the three occasions they go against each other.

"He is known in Portugal as one of the good young coaches. He was not given a top job immediately," said Mourinho.

Phil Jones replaces the injured Marcos Rojo against Reading (
Image:
Reuters)

"He did well at a small club in Portugal then he went to Sporting, one of the top three. He won the cup, I think he finished second in the league then he goes to Greece and is champion with Olympiakos.

"For me, he is very stable. In spite of being a young guy, he is very experienced and very mature and I look forward to having another Portuguese guy here.

"In this case, he is from a younger generation than myself and I would love him to do well but we all know it's hard to jump when you are bottom of the Premier League."

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