Stoke boss Mark Hughes wary of Manchester United reaction

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 - live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 12.30pm - looking to bring to an end a terrible run of form which has seen them lose their last three matches in all competitions. 

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Their disappointing slump in form has seen them drop out of the Premier League's top four and suffer elimination from the Champions League, increasing 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," Hughes 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.

"From the games I have seen, they are dominating games for the most part. Their game seems a lot more possession-based than it has been in the past. They have had a lot of possession and created a lot of chances - a bit like ourselves.

"We haven't scored a great many goals in recent weeks but we have still been creating chances. It is just about converting them. I think that is the case with United to a certain extent.

"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."

Van Gaal's job could be on the line if United continue to under-perform and Hughes does not expect the Dutchman's reputation to save him.

Hughes said: "I said last week when Jose [Mourinho] lost his role that no-one is immune. It doesn't matter what you have done in the game previously, and his record as a top-line manager is exceptional, you have to win football matches.

"He has been in the game a long, long time and he knows better than most if the results and perception is you are not doing particularly well, you come under pressure. He understands that. We all do."