Mike Phelan is getting ready for his biggest test as Hull City's caretaker manager when his current team takes on his former team, Manchester United this weekend.
Much of his press conference with the media was focused on transfers, however he refused to talk about specific transfers constantly reiterating the fact that the club have agreed many fees. Ryan Mason's name has cropped up for the last few days and now the Tigers have reportedly had a bid accepted for Cardiff City stopper David Marshall.
Hull must raise their game once more
But, transfers aside, the first team's main concern is title favourites Manchester United. Phelan knows that they will ''certainly have to raise their performance level again'' if they are to get anything out of the game. He also knows how much of a struggle it will be but is sure ''everyone is looking forward to the occasion''.
Manchester United and the Tigers have had complete opposite summers with the Red Devils breaking world record transfer fee for Paul Pogba, signing one of the most proven strikers in the world in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and earning that tag of title favourites. But Hull, on the other hand, have signed just a couple of younger players and are still favourites for the drop. Phelan knows that ''United have quality in abundance'' and knows they will be strong, as always.
The Tigers' caretaker boss couldn't be prouder in the way his team have started this season despite the difficult situation off the field. Phelan said ''I can't praise the players here enough. There's a great atmosphere around the place.''
But the Tigers aren't going out to make up the numbers as they have ''worked really hard to be playing the likes of Manchester United''.
As for Manchester United, Jose Mourinho hopes Phelan gets the job full time, despite not getting the result Hull want this weekend. ''I think the reality is he's one of the best assistant managers in the Premier League, I really hope he gets the job.'' High praise from one of the best managers in Premier League history.
Mourinho knows Hull will set up to frustrate his teams but he knows ''that's the way they have found to get points.''
We will have to wait and see how both teams set out and who will play, many think Phelan will keep the same team for the third league game in a row.