SPORTS: Nick Powell forgot about Man Utd match and played FIFA instead

SPORTS: Nick Powell forgot about Man Utd match and played FIFA instead

  February 19, 2016    Unknown

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Nick Powell has gone from the Champions League to a loan spell with Hull City Nick Powell was disappointed to see Manchester United beaten by FC Midtjylland in the Europa League but admits he forgot they were even playing.

 Just 10 weeks ago, the 21-year-old came off the bench as Louis van Gaal's side were knocked out of the Champions League with a 3-2 defeat at Wolfsburg.

 A further substitute appearance at United followed before Powell moved on loan to Hull City, for whom he will make his debut in Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie at Arsenal.

It is clearly a case of out of sight out of mind for the midfielder, who - perhaps fortunately - forgot parent club United were in action against the Danish side on Thursday and instead took to his games console.

"No, I completely forgot - I was playing FIFA, if I was honest," Powell said when asked if he watched the 2-1 loss in the Europa League last-32.

Memphis Depay (middle) put United in front "I did read the reports and, I don't know, it's hard. They're under pressure because the gaffer has come out and said it's the best way to qualify for the Champions League next year.

 "They've had so many injuries, with Wazza [Wayne Rooney] going out and David [de Gea] was injured before the game.

 Louis van Gaal (left) did not have much to celebrate in Denmark

Louis van Gaal (left) did not have much to celebrate in Denmark "There's no excuse - they should have have won, but that's just the way it is." It was an unusual admission from Powell - one which former Manchester United defender Steve Bruce laughed off as "typical Nick". The Hull boss is looking forward to seeing the attacking midfielder make his bow on Saturday and the player himself cannot wait to take to the Emirates Stadium turf.

Injuries and a lack of game-time has frustrated Powell in recent years, leading some to write off a player who does not even turn 22 until next month.

"I am massively determined to impress," he said, having recently overcome a hamstring complaint. "I haven't played a proper game in about two years.

Louis van Gaal has blamed the defeat to FC Midtjylland on a growing list of injuries

"Don't get me wrong, I came on against Wolfsburg and Bournemouth but with 20 minutes here and there you can't showcase what you want to show everyone.

"I've not had a run of games in about two years, so if anything I am raring to just prove to people that I am not a lost cause, that I am coming back."