Mark Hughes is set to manage in the National League next season.
After spending two spells at Manchester United, Mark Hughes will go down as one of the best centre forwards to emerge at Old Trafford.
Hughes graduated from United’s academy in 1980 and spent six seasons in the first-team before leaving to join Barcelona.
However, Sir Alex Ferguson would bring Hughes back to United in 1988 and he spent a further seven years at the club.
During his time at United, Hughes won the Premier League twice, three FA Cups, and one League Cup. He was also part of the European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph in 1991.
Hughes is ranked eighth in United’s top scorers list, which is topped by Wayne Rooney.
Mark Hughes prepares for non-league battle
Manchester United legend Mark Hughes has had several managerial jobs since 1999, when he became Wales manager after retiring from international football.
Since then, Hughes has managed Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City, Southampton and Bradford City.
Hughes became Carlisle United manager in February but has been unable to steer them away from relegation from League Two to the National League.
Carlisle were five points adrift of the bottom of League Two when Hughes took over.
However, Hughes’ recent comments suggest that he is ready for a non-league battle as he’s willing to stick with Carlisle in an attempt to guide them back to League Two.
“I have no ego,” Hughes said, as quoted by The Sun.
“Just because I played for United and managed clubs like Manchester City, or led my country, doesn’t mean being in charge of a National League team would somehow be beneath me.
“Maybe other people might feel that but not me, even if I recognise it would be pretty unique for someone with some of the high spots I’ve had in my career.
“I showed how much I still love being a manager by going to Bradford — when you’ve been a manager as long as I have you just miss that buzz of standing on the touchline at three o’clock on a Saturday afternoon.”
Hughes went on to stress that he enjoys working with Carlisle’s owners, adding: “The owners are good people and they still have some big plans.
“Discussions have taken place about me staying and plans for the future. This has been a tough challenge but one I’d still be up for, so we’ll see.
“We have around 18 players under contract for next season.
“The core of the side is already there and we’ve seen how well they’ve responded over the last couple of months against all the odds.”
Mark Hughes features in iconic 1991 release
To celebrate one of United’s biggest European wins, adidas have honoured the team that won the 1991 European Cup Winners’ Cup against Barcelona.
A Sir Alex Ferguson-inspired team beat Barcelona 2-1 in Rotterdam, with Hughes scoring a brace to secure the trophy.
The Bring Back collection features the iconic away kit worn that night as well as a classic tracksuit from that era.
Hughes, along with Bryan Robson from that 1991 side, were part of part of the promotion for the latest adidas release.
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