Hughes backs Moyes to shine at Manchester United

The Scot has struggled in his new role, but a come-from-behind win over Stoke City on Saturday has prompted his opposite number to publicly support him

Mark Hughes thinks David Moyes will be Manchester United manager for "a long time", despite a shaky start to life at Old Trafford.

Hughes' Stoke City allowed a lead to slip twice as they fell to a 3-2 defeat on Saturday, with Wayne Rooney and Chicharito scoring in the last 12 minutes to rescue three points for the hosts.

And the 49-year-old former United striker believes his opposite number will be given time to impose his philosophy after picking up just four victories from his opening nine Premier League fixtures in charge.

"No, come on, what’s he had? Nine games?" Hughes told the Daily Mail when quizzed on Moyes' start . "David Moyes will be manager for a long time.

"He'll be given time and has good players who'll win enough games for him this year, even if it's a difficult season. Once he gets his philosophy over, he'll be fine."

Hughes drew on his own United memories to add some perspective to the club's current plight.

"I remember when we went to Millwall [in 1990] and were 1-0 down," he added. "If we'd lost, we'd have been in the bottom three.

"They are still in the top half of the table but teams will come here and try to have a go - which maybe hasn't been the case before."