Red Devil Brady returns to Hull

Republic of Ireland international Robbie Brady is on his way back to Championship outfit Hull from Manchester United.

Brady spent last season on loan at the Tigers, making 39 appearances for the club.

Since then Brady has broken into the senior international side, scoring on his debut and creating two goals in the friendly win over Oman in September.

Brady has also played for United, coming on a substitute in the Capital One Cup win over Newcastle, but his opportunities at Old Trafford are, at least in the short-term, limited and that has prompted Hull boss Steve Bruce to bring the 20-year-old back to the KC Stadium.

Brady may even be in the side to face Wolves tonight.

Brady’s parent club, meanwhile, reached the Premier League summit with a 2-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday and Robin van Persie claims his partnership with Wayne Rooney is blossoming due to both players adopting a brand new position — the ‘nine-and-a-half’.

The Dutchman says the pair interchange between the more forward position, traditionally the number nine spot, and the creative number 10 position linking with midfield.

Van Persie has scored 10 goals for United since his summer move from Arsenal — helped significantly by his forming an immediate understanding with Rooney.

Van Persie said: “I call it a nine-and-a-half because you have two positions, the nine and the 10, and we are both nine-and-a-half.

“We are just helping each other out. We both play behind and a bit higher up. It seems to be working well.”

United boss Alex Ferguson said the flexibility to the partnership was key but that the pair had yet to hit the highest level together.

Ferguson said: “There’s flexibility there and the right type of movement. They also both have the courage to play in these positions. Robin’s not far away in that respect.

“They’re both mobile players and good footballers with a great desire to play and win. I don’t think you saw the best of them as a partnership against Arsenal.”