Hughes: United Still A Threat

Stoke manager Mark Hughes says his players must be wary of a backlash from Manchester United.

United face Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Boxing Day, looking to bring to an end a terrible run of form which has seen them lose their last three matches in all competitions.

Their disappointing slump in form has seen them drop out of the Premier League's top four and suffer elimination from the Champions League, further increasing the pressure on manager Louis van Gaal.

However, Hughes, who enjoyed two spells with United during his playing career, is refusing to underestimate the strength of his former club, despite conceding they are a team in transition.

"They are a huge club and they have a very good squad of players there," he said. "I have been asked whether this is a good time to play them, but I am always wary of that because these sorts of clubs more often than not bounce back emphatically.

"The players there are representing a global brand and the players have a responsibility to produce the goods more often than not, so they will be desperate to get back on track at the weekend.

"Manchester United will know themselves that they are in a period of transition and are in a different cycle now. Things are changing and sometimes things can take a while before you become successful again.

"We are certainly taking nothing for granted because we are fully aware as to how difficult a challenge they will pose to us on Boxing Day. I am looking forward to the game though, it is a great fixture for Boxing Day."

Credit: Skysports.com