Video: Hughes the hero

With United fans hoping for a favour from Mark Hughes the manager, we're recalling what he achieved as a player during two spells with the Reds.

'Sparky', as he was affectionately known, served the club with distinction from 1980-1986 and 1988-1995. He endured a difficult time with Barcelona in between, when it became clear where his true home was: Old Trafford.

The Welshman was arguably the complete striker, capable of scoring from anywhere around the box with either foot or his head. Those qualities, allied to a fiery temperament and never-say-die attitude, made him a Stretford End hero.

Hughes hit 163 goals in 467 United appearances and won all the domestic trophies on offer but arguably his finest hour was his man-of-the-match display in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final in Rotterdam in 1991, when he scored twice in a 2-1 victory over his old club Barcelona.

More: Read Hughes' profile | Papers: Hughes warns City | Blog: Park the bus, Sparky