Southampton vs Manchester United: Mark Hughes wants payback against Jose Mourinho after ‘friendly’ comment

Mourinho claimed that Manchester City had some ‘friendly games’ leading into last month's Manchester derby, one of which was Hughes' Southampton

Mark Hughes has much bigger concerns, but a first home league win of the season for Southampton when Manchester United visit St Mary’s today will carry the added satisfaction of delivering payback for Jose Mourinho’s stinging aside last month.

Hughes’s position appears increasingly vulnerable after a dismal start to the season that has left his Southampton side rooted in the bottom three of the Premier League table having mustered just one win and ten goals in the opening 13 league games.

After such a dismal start, it is little wonder the manager was irked when his side were caught up in the war of words that preceded November’s Manchester derby. “I think Jose said that leading into the derby that Man City had a couple of friendly games, which included our game,” said Hughes. “We actually created more shots on goal against City than United. In fairness, United conceded three and we conceded six. So there is a counter argument to that! But maybe it wasn’t the friendly that Jose was making out.”

Hughes will have no complaints, however, if Mourinho’s barb provides his side with the additional motivation required to give their campaign the boost is so badly needs. The manager maintains his side is making progress – only Manchester City and Chelsea have had more shots this season – but he knows that unless that translates into results soon, the pressure will only intensify. “You can’t keep saying the same thing because in the end people don’t believe what you say,” he said. “You have to do something about. In terms of creating chances, shots off, blocked shots, we’re right up there. That’s the reason that I feel at some point this has to change.”

If Saints’ fortunes do change today, Mourinho’s standing at Old Trafford will come under even more scrutiny although Hughes, a one-time United forward, is convinced the Portuguese is capable of weathering the growing criticism and turning things around at his former club.

Hughes hopes Mourinho’s barb will provide extra motivation for his players (Getty) (Man Utd via Getty Images)

“Criticism is there if you’re the figurehead of the football club which he undoubtedly is and which I am here,” said Hughes. “The first port of call when criticism comes to your club is in your direction and you have to accept it. Jose has been around the game for a long time and been very, very successful. He knows how it works.

“The only thing is when you’re Manchester United and you have the resources of United, there is an expectation of how well you need to do and the manner in how you do it. That’s a legacy of Sir Alex and the teams he created that were very successful. When you’re viewed against that level, if you’re just below it, which I think Jose would argue they’re not where they want to be. It’s his job to turn it around just as it is my job to turn it around here.”