Premier League: Manchester United Vs Stoke City: Moyes Vs Hughes

This is the third of the four series of home game which are deemed ‘winnable’, and so far it is one draw and one win – both games are still far from convincing. It will also pit David Moyes against Stoke City’s new manager Mark Hughes, a former United boy. Hughes has already fire the first shot at Moyes by saying that United should be doing better and Moyes could be facing the sack. This is nothing short of mind games from Hughes, knowing that the new United under Moyes is still vunerable and shaky.Mark Hughes played for Manchester United in the 90s and was one of stars of the team but his journey into managerial foray had not been impressive, more of a journeyman achievement so far. But he did know about the club, its value and tradition as well as the pressure associated with the club – whether as a player or as a manager. Therefore his mind game is solely aim at destabilizing United and David Moyes. During Moyes’ days as Everton’s manager, he (Moyes) was always seemed to be the better manager than Hughes, especially the fact that Moyes has never gotten sack all throughout his managerial career, as compared to Hughes.

 

If Stoke City is still playing in the shade of former manager Tony Pullis, then David Moyes can expect a physical game with former Manchester United Ryan Shawcross manning the defense. As such Marouane Fellaini can expect a recall after a disappointing game against Southampton. The rightback position also could see changes, with Rafael da Silva making way for a more physical defender. Only at the flanks will there be uncertainty to which players Moyes will pick. Shinji Kagawa, after a superb performance against Real Sociedad and even earning Moyes’ praises could be call upon but so is Nani or Adnan Januzaj.

 

Whichever team David Moyes pick, Manchester United must win this game or risks destabilizing the mental state of the team further. Already after such a disastrous start, United cannot afford more bad games and further points dropped will see the confidence of the team further affected. With the Capital One Cup game up next against Norwich City, Moyes must pick his team intelligently and making sure that the winning momentum continues – for more than one or two games!