Phil Brown admits that he would pick a severely weakened team if he were in Sir Alex Ferguson’s shoes on Sunday.
Ferguson’s selection for Manchester United’s Premier League denouement at The KC Stadium is sure to come under the spotlight considering Hull’s status as potential relegation fodder.
The Tigers sit one point clear of the bottom three and, as such, know that victory will ensure their safety regardless of what results Middlesbrough and Newcastle can pick up against West Ham and Aston Villa respectively.
Brown's task is certain to be made all the easier by Ferguson having at least one eye on United’s Champions League final with Barcelona only three days after their last domestic action of the campaign.
Despite reports that relegated clubs could sue United if they perceive that Ferguson’s team selection cost them their Premier League safety, Brown has now followed Ricky Sbragia in giving the Scot the green light to do as he pleases.
“Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Sunderland have fears and concerns about what’s coming out of Manchester United’s changing room,” he said. “Let me tell you, I have as well.
“He is a professional man, no doubt about it. But he’s got a massive game three days after the game and I would be exactly the same.
“If I had that option, I would play players who wouldn’t be playing on the Wednesday unless there was some kind of fear over fitness levels or injury concerns. I would pick a team accordingly.
"Sir Alex has had 22 years at one football club and he has earned the right to do whatever he wants to do on Sunday."