Tuesday 2 December 2014 09:14, UK
Mark Hughes says going to Old Trafford does not hold the same fear for visiting teams as it used to.
However, the Stoke manager believes Manchester United have turned the corner since making a woeful start to the season which yielded league defeats to Swansea and Leicester, as well as a staggering 4-0 Capital One Cup loss to MK Dons.
Three days after losing to Liverpool, Stoke return to the north west to face a rejuvenated Red Devils side and Hughes travels there with a feeling of both confidence and caution ahead of Tuesday's Premier League clash.
He said: "Mid-table teams approach games against the big teams with less fear across the board. In most games teams will have a go.
"A lot more teams are going to Old Trafford, certainly in recent times, and really testing themselves against them and seeing how far it takes them.
"Then, if you get lucky and you get your noses in front, things can happen.
A lot more teams are going to Old Trafford, certainly in recent times, and really testing themselves against them and seeing how far it takes them.
"They seem to be losing more games than they used to in recent years and that's because of the amount that has been invested right across the board."
"If there is a lack of cohesion over their defensive work then good teams will find that out.
"They found that out to their cost initially but they seem to have settled down.
"Louis Van Gaal is a manager who works on the training ground and gives everyone the information as to what is required.
"United seem to be hitting a bit of form which is a bit unfortunate from our point of view."
Hughes, who enjoyed two spells at United (1980-86 and 1988-1995), thinks his Dutch counterpart in Manchester will be successful.
The Welshman added: "He has good resources so he can go out and shape the team in his own image.
“You don't suspect he'll have too many problems in getting a successful side there.
"They did suffer at the start of this season with injuries but you do feel once they have everyone back and functioning right they are going to have a say in whoever wins the league this year.
“It's probably beyond them this season but you never know."
