Hughes: United Lack Title Mindset

Mark Hughes doubts whether Manchester United's squad have the title-winning mentality that was present when he was at the club.

The Stoke manager will take his side to Old Trafford on Sunday looking for their first Premier League win of the season, having lost four of their opening six matches. 

Hughes won two league titles during his two spells at United between 1980 and 1995, and while he is aware of the threat posed by the current crop under Jose Mourinho, he is unsure the players have the same attitude that brought him success during his time at the club. 

"I played in a winning Manchester United team that was challenging for titles year on year, and that team from personal experience had the mindset that they have to win every game," Hughes said at his pre-match press conference. 

"I'm not sure whether the current group have that feeling, but they have the talent to do that.

"They have addressed some of their failings from last year with some very big signings. You can see the club's intent in what they have done this summer.

"It is maybe a little bit of a transitional period that they are going through, but you sense that there will be a marked improvement on where they finish this season." 

Wayne Rooney came on as a second-half substitute to inadvertently provide an assist for Zlatan Ibrahimovic in United's 1-0 win over Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk on Thursday, and Hughes believes the United and England captain still has a crucial role at the club.

"He is captain there and plays a huge role in helping new players understand the values," said Hughes. "Players like Zlatan don't need too much help in that regard - he clearly understands what he needs to do on the field. I am looking forward to coming up against him."

Credit: Skysports.com