A minute's applause for Ryan Mason rings out around the ground as simultaneously Hull win a corner.

Manchester United have a free-kick on the right, in a decent position. Ander Herrera plays it in, Zlatan Ibrahimovic puts it back across goal and it's well cleared. A ball into the goalmouth is as much excitement as I can offer you at the moment. 

Image source, Reuters

Is this something to boast about? Or a brief meditation on the impact of Premier League football on domestic cup competitions? 

A heavy challenge from Jesse Lingard in midfield, referee Jon Moss lets him off a booking. Tom Huddlestone nearly plays a great ball over the top but it's a yard too heavy. 

Simon Stone
BBC Sport

If you are a fan of Herman's Hermits, or at least a fan of one of their songs, or just the chorus, the first 10 minutes was quite enjoyable.

The Manchester United fans' chant of "I'm into something good" is not based on the opening stages here.

They have swapped songs now. And are signing about Anthony Martial instead.

Paul Pogba tees up Marcos Rojo, and the left-back hits a low shot which is deflected away for a corner. 

Can they do it on a cold Thursday night in Hull?

Not so far. I wouldn't say this game has been dull but we just had a full 90 seconds of radio airtime on Ally McCoist's travel arrangements from Glasgow to Hull and back. 

Image source, Reuters

Ally McCoist
Former Scotland striker on BBC Radio 5 live

I don't take any pleasure in saying it, it's a good foul. Jones knows what he's doing as he knows Niasse is getting a shot in.

Phil Jones is booked for clattering Oumar Niasse, and at the other end David Meyler is booked for tripping Marcus Rashford. A cynical minute.

Hang on, Meyler is NOT booked. He should have been. 

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Harry Maguire doesn't quite have the finesse of Jerry Maguire, lashing a shot over by, at a conservative estimate, 25 yards.

A dreadful shot. 

Hull youngster Jarrod Bowen turns Marcos Rojo inside out before Harry Maguire brings the ball stylishly out from the back. Hull trying to build patiently. Can they test David de Gea though? Josh Tymon's cross is decent but Manchester United clear. 

We're not exactly in top gear here tonight. It's a bit slack from both sides so far.

Image source, Reuters

The first attack of any real substance sees Marcus Rashford tear in from the left wing, beat a man with ease and then try and connect with a team-mate, unsuccessfully. 

Simon Stone
BBC Sport at the KCOM Stadium

Tonight is Hull's first game since the awful collision with Chelsea's Gary Cahill left Ryan Mason in hospital with a fractured skull.

Thankfully, Mason is in much better health than the depressing early reports.

Mason will be celebrated tonight with a minute's applause after 25 minutes.

Ally McCoist
Former Scotland striker on BBC Radio 5 live

There are a lot of empty seats. Make no mistake, for a cup semi-final, it shows how these Hull City fans are feeling. It's very sad actually.

Have you ever spent a birthday in Hull? I think I did once. Jose Mourinho is already making copious notes in his little policeman's fold-over notebook. Hull having plenty of the early ball. 

Ally McCoist
Former Scotland striker on BBC Radio 5 live

I still think Manchester United need to add defensively. They need a centre-back of high quality. In my opinion the are still in the biggest two clubs in world football, so they are a massive attraction. The pull of Manchester United and the way they are going, great players want to play for great teams and managers, they are certainly one of those.

And we are under way!