Mark Hughes believes Manchester United look ‘a little bit vulnerable’ and says Stoke can pile even more pressure on his former club this weekend.
Under the leadership of David Moyes, United have lost three of their opening Premier League games and Hughes says they cannot afford to lose many more if they are to retain their title.
Hughes senses there could be an opportunity for his Stoke side on Saturday, but is also well aware of the fact that United will be determined to prove the doubters wrong.
“They can’t afford any more slip-ups, but invariably when people question Manchester United they come back with the answers,” he said.
Even so, Hughes says there cannot be many more slip-ups between now and the end of the season.
“There are only a certain amount of games you can lose,” Hughes added. “They’ve lost three and maybe they are a little bit vulnerable at the moment.
“Five or six [defeats] enables you to still be in the title race. Lose any more than six then you make it very difficult, nigh on impossible, for yourself.”
Stoke have also struggled this season and go into the clash just one point above the drop zone having managed just four goals. However, Hughes is still targeting a result.
“West Brom have won there so it’s more than possible that we can get a positive result,” Hughes said.
“You can’t go to Old Trafford and be apprehensive. You have to be positive and have a go. If we do that, let’s see what happens, but the expectation from ourselves and our fans is high.”
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