Steve Bruce has described Hull City’s achievements this season as a “dream come true” for the club’s supporters.
Despite a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday other results went the way of Hull – with their places in both next season’s Premier League and UEFA Europa League confirmed.
Everton’s defeat against Manchester City ensured Hull’s place in Europe next season - regardless of the result when they meet Arsenal in The FA Cup Final – while Norwich’s draw at Chelsea confirmed their mathematical safety from relegation.
Hull City v Arsenal
FA Cup with Budweiser
Final
5pm, Saturday 17 May
Live on ITV and BT Sport
"It's just remarkable,” said Bruce. “To stay in the Premier League, get to the FA Cup Final and get into Europe is one hell of an achievement for everyone concerned.
"It's been a fantastic journey and it's the icing on the cake for the club itself. The supporters must be thinking all their dreams have come true."
Hull have two more Premier League games – against Everton and Manchester United – to play before travelling to Wembley Stadium to take on Arsenal for the 133rd FA Cup Final on 17 May.
With their safety assured, Bruce also confirmed he would use the next two games to have a look at some of the club’s fringe players – and to be able to do so with two games remaining is a luxury he is grateful to have.
"It's satisfaction, it's relief,” he added.
“To be safe with two games to go I didn't think would be possible at the start of the season.
Hull City beat Sheffield United to book their spot in the Final
"I honestly thought over the months we'd be in a relegation fight but if we're being totally honest we haven't really been involved at all, which is a testament to the players.”
Bruce's opposite number at Old Trafford on Tuesday will be his former United team-mate Ryan Giggs.
Bruce was a senior figure and soon-to-be captain of the Red Devils when Giggs emerged as a precocious teenager and, two decades later, the Welshman finds himself picking the team following David Moyes' sacking.
"I spoke to Ryan ten days ago to wish him good luck and welcome him to the crazy side of the game," said Bruce.
"I'm sure it's opened his eyes to what it's all about, but he's always going to be capable of doing whatever he wants to do.
“Whether he gets the job or not I don't know but it would never faze him, he's been at Manchester United all his life.”
