Hull City fell to a heavy defeat against Premier League opposition this evening in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Sheffield United, but the returning names that lined up in South Yorkshire will give Hull fans plenty of encouragement for the restart of the season next weekend.

After taking on Huddersfield Town yesterday at Hull City's training ground in Cottingham, manager Grant McCann took a different squad to Sheffield to face Chris Wilder's side - who have been the surprise package in the Premier League this year. United made their quality tell and proved why they are currently so high in the top division in their first season back in over a decade.

Reece Burke, Eric Lichaj, Leo da Silva Lopes, Martin Samuleson and Jackson Irvine were due to feature in the game after not playing in the game yesterday and members of the U23 squad were all due to get game time in the Yorkshire friendly.

However, unlike the positive result yesterday, the East Yorkshire side fell to goals from John Fleck, Richario Zivkovic and a brace from John Lundstram. There were no other details about the starting line ups or who featured at time of publication, but with the low stakes involved with the result of the game, both McCann and Chris Wilder will have been happy for their sides to have a run out and avoid any injuries - again, neither club has reported this so far.

McCann will no doubt have a headache selection for his final friendly of this hectic make-shift pre-season when they play Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon, coming up against ex-manager and fans' favourite Steve Bruce.

Details about the game were scarce - originally scheduled for kick off at 1pm, no result came through on various websites that listed the fixture. However, a Sheffield United fan account soon posted the results on the social media site after it emerged the game was actually due to kick off at 6pm. 'The Bladesman' account said - "Sheffield United beat Hull 4-0 today in their 2nd game of the mini preseason. Goals from John Fleck and Richairo Zivkovic, along with a brace from John Lundstram sealed the win for the Blades".

Sheffield United restart their season against Aston Villa on 17th June at Villa Park, whilst Hull still have another friendly against Newcastle before facing Charlton Athletic on 20th June.

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