Hughes: Stoke should have beaten Man Utd by more

Rob Conlon
Mark Hughes: Manager delighted with Stoke City display

Mark Hughes: Manager delighted with Stoke City display

Mark Hughes says Stoke City were “tremendous” in their victory over Manchester United – and should have won by more goals.

Bojan Krkic and Marko Arnautovic both struck in the first half to earn the Potters a 2-0 win over the Red Devils, adding to Stoke’s impressive successes against Chelsea and Manchester City this season.

“It was another tremendous performance from us, and at key times a very professional one I would suggest,” manager Hughes said.

“On another day we could have scored another goal or two so that is the only slight disappointment from today.

“To win the game 2-0 given the determination United would have had coming here today is hugely satisfying and I don’t think anybody can have any complaints at the outcome of the game.”

After dominating the first 45 minutes, United forced Stoke to defend resolutely in the second half, although they did threaten on the break.

And Hughes is convinced his side were good value for all three points.

“We expected them to step things up after the break given the situation they found themselves in and but for one absolutely outstanding save from Jack Butland, which was key for us, I thought we were relatively comfortable,” he added.

“After that I thought that we managed the game really well and maybe should have scored another goal on the counter-attack.”

“That said, I would certainly have taken 2-0 before the game. We will all go home in very good spirits tonight and looking forward to the game against Everton on Monday.”