Hull City boss Steve Bruce admits he never expected relegation ahead of today's clash with Manchester United.
Hull need victory to have any chance of survival.
Bruce said: "At the end of August when I looked at the squad I didn't think we would be in this situation. There have been many reasons why but I don't really want to make excuses - this isn't the time for it.
"We've had a tough four or five months with big players not being able to take part but we've got to take it on the chin and accept we haven't been good enough. We've got one last chance to redeem ourselves."