Manchester United players lack belief of old, says Mark Hughes

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. 

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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."

Hughes confirmed Ibrahim Afellay and Stephen Ireland are long-term absentees while Jack Butland faces at least another month out, but he provided positive updates on Joe Allen and Xherdan Shaqiri. 

"Joe Allen was a little bit tight in his hamstring, and hasn't really trained since the game," said Hughes. "We will check on him, but hopefully he will be OK. Shaqiri came through the game fine and is in contention again."

Hughes also commented on the Telegraph's 10-month undercover investigation, which on Wednesday published claims from three agents that eight current or former Premier League managers took money for player transfers.

"Well, clearly there is a worry that there is a perception being taken by a lot of people, and if there is evidence that certain individuals have been involved in things they shouldn't then it is important that they are named," Hughes said.

"If that doesn't happen then all of us will get dragged into simply by generalisation. It needs clarifying. In all honesty, I have never been offered anything and have never witnessed it, but in all forms of life there is temptation, and when that happens some people can make wrong decisions.

"It isn't just in football, there is corruption in all walks of light. Clearly there seems to be an issue, and it needs resolving quickly."

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