Tigers secure survival

Hull escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth despite slumping to a 1-0 defeat to an under-strength Manchester United.

Darron Gibson fired the only goal of a tense encounter at the KC Stadium with a stunning strike midway through the first half.

Hull started brightly and a long ball from Michael Turner put Craig Fagan in on goal but the forward could not control and Tomasz Kuszczak gathered.

Geovanni then broke clear down the left twice in quick succession but the Brazilian's first cross just evaded Fagan and Kuszczak punched his second clear.

The champions then struggled to clear a corner from Andy Dawson and the ball broke to Marney but his shot was easily saved by Kuszczak.

United stunned Hull by taking the lead in the 24th minute with a ferocious strike from Gibson.

The 21-year-old let fly from 25 yards with a powerful shot across goal that flew past Myhill into the top corner.

Hull were almost caught again after a strong run by Danny Welbeck but the 18-year-old striker dragged his shot wide.

Geovanni teed up a shooting chance for Dawson but Kuszczak tipped over the left-back's piledriver.

Hull had a good chance early in the second half when Kevin Kilbane's cross picked out Nick Barmby but he failed to make firm contact and Kuszczak tipped wide. Nani could have double United's lead with a powerful shot four minutes from time but Myhill pushed the ball wide.