Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell is set to join Championship side Hull City on loan until the end of the season, according to the Hull Daily Mail.
The Tigers are confident that a move for the 21-year-old can be finalised by transfer deadline day on Monday and Steve Bruce believes that the signing can bolster Hull’s promotion hopes, with his side currently top of the pile in the Championship.
And the former United defender believes that the KC Stadium could be the ‘perfect stage’ for Powell to revive his career:
Mike (Phelan) knows him well and speaks highly of him. He’s still only 21 and unfortunately for him he’s not found a way through at Man United.
He had a wonderful spell at Wigan out on loan (in 2013-14), playing 40 odd times for them, and he’s a very, very good player.
On a loan deal until the end of the season, it’s a no-brainer because he can play in a number of positions up the top end of the pitch.
It hasn’t really worked out for him but then again a way through is difficult at Man United. This can be the perfect stage for him. It has in the past with players like (Robbie) Brady and (James) Chester and now with young players like (Andy) Robertson, (Sam) Clucas and (Moses) Odubajo.
Bruce also said that he spoke to assistant manager Ryan Giggs about Powell, and he offered some advice on where best to play him:
I spoke with Giggsy on Thursday and asked him where he felt his best position was and he just said ‘up front’.
It wasn’t a case of him being a number nine or a number 10, it was just up front. He really likes him.
He’s a forward-thinking player, put it that way. He’s 6ft 2in, he’s quick. He was the superstar when he was younger.
Powell’s stock has declined significantly since joining United in a £6 million deal from Crewe back in 2012. He has only recently recovered from a serious hamstring injury and has made two appearances for the Red Devils this season in losses against Wolfsburg in Champions League and Bournemouth in the Premier League.
His contract runs out at the end of the season, so this move could be a chance to earn himself a new contract at Old Trafford, or find himself a permanent home elsewhere with some good performances.
