# How Hull City Kept Their Man Utd Game Plan Under Wraps

> By  · Published 2026-08-24 · Updated 2026-08-24
> https://lesportifplus.com/en/2026/08/24/how-hull-city-kept-their-man-utd-game-plan-under-wraps/

## Summary
Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic secretly devised a tactical plan for the club's Premier League clash with Manchester United, keeping details hidden for weeks, assistant head coach Dean Holden told Match of the Day, aiming to surprise United and boost Hull's chances in the high-profile fixture.

## Key points
- Sergej Jakirovic concealed his tactical plan for the Manchester United fixture for several weeks
- Assistant head coach Dean Holden revealed the secrecy strategy to Match of the Day
- The approach aimed to give Hull City a tactical surprise advantage over Manchester United

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic kept his tactical plan for facing Manchester United a closely guarded secret for weeks ahead of the Tigers’ return to the Premier League, assistant head coach Dean Holden has revealed to Match of the Day. The approach was designed to catch United off guard and give Hull the best possible chance of a shock result.

## Why did Jakirovic keep the plan secret?

According to Holden, Jakirovic wanted to protect the element of surprise, believing that even players within the squad should not know the full details of the strategy until it was necessary. By restricting information, the Hull boss aimed to prevent any leaks that could reach Manchester United’s coaching staff before kick-off, giving his side a tactical edge against a much-fancied opponent.

> The plan was kept so quiet that even some of the coaching staff were only told the finer details close to matchday, Holden explained.

## How did the secrecy shape Hull’s preparation?

Holden described a preparation process built around careful planning sessions and limited disclosure, with Jakirovic gradually introducing elements of the game plan to players as the fixture approached. This measured approach allowed the squad to focus on execution without the pressure of overanalysing the opposition too far in advance, while also reducing the risk of the strategy becoming public knowledge through media or social channels.

The coaching staff reportedly held private discussions away from the main training ground schedule, ensuring that only a small circle of people were aware of the specific tactical setup intended for the Manchester United match. Holden suggested this discipline within the camp was central to Hull’s ability to execute the plan effectively once the game got under way.

## What does this mean for Hull City going forward?

The success of this secretive approach has reportedly strengthened belief within Hull’s coaching setup that meticulous, low-profile planning can help the club compete against bigger Premier League rivals. Holden’s comments suggest Jakirovic may continue to employ similar tactics of controlled information and surprise game plans in future fixtures against stronger opposition.

For a club navigating a return to English football’s top flight, the ability to spring tactical surprises could prove a valuable tool as Hull look to establish themselves and pick up unexpected points against higher-ranked teams throughout the season.

## Source

- [BBC Sport Football](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ce343r7245no?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — BBC Sport Football

## Sources
- [BBC Sport Football](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ce343r7245no?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)