Mark HUGHES

Mark Hughes joined Manchester United as an Associate Schoolboy at 14 and became an apprentice in June 1980. He made his debut as a substitute in a 2-0 home win against Port Vale in the Milk Cup on 26th October 1983. Following a further substitute appearance in the European Cup Winners' Cup, Sparky made his first start, again in the Milk Cup, scoring in a 1-1 draw with Oxford United at the Manor Ground. He only appeared once, as a substitute in a league game against Southampton, over the next fourteen weeks until he made his second start against Barcelona at the Nou Camp in a 2-0 defeat. His performance kept him in the side and he played in United's game of the season, the return leg, in which they overturned the two-goal deficit with a 3-0 win.

He remained in the starting line-up until the end of the season and was virtually an ever present the following. He helped United to the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over Everton and finished as top scorer with 25 goals in 55 appearances. Already a fans' favourite, Hughes' play was also appreciated by his peers, and he was voted the PFA Young Player of the Year for the 1984/85 season. Both he and the team flourished at the beginning of the next campaign, United winning their first 10 league games and 13 of the first 15. During that time he scored 11 goals, however, United agreed a transfer with Barcelona for the end of the season much to the dismay of the fans. The title challenge fell to pieces and Sparky's goal scoring form deserted him, though he did leave a reminder of what the club would be missing with four goals in his final four games. He was to return with a vengeance. (Steve Drabble)

Mark Hughes returned to United in the summer of 1988 with Sir Alex Ferguson about to begin his second full season in charge. They paid Barcelona £1.8 million after he had had a loan spell with Bayern Munich. The team struggled in the league with too many draws despite Sparky's immense contribution. He was rewarded, however, with the PFA Player of the Year Award for 1988/89. Not only a scorer of spectacular goals, Hughes' range of talents was visible all over the pitch. His ability to hold onto possession from a clearance was second to none and his distribution from such positions formed the basis of a large share of the team's attacks. Though not many of his opponents enjoyed playing against him, they truly admired him. United continued to struggle in the league over the 1989/90 season and were again chasing success in the cups. Hughes picked up his second FA Cup Winner's Medal in a 1-0 replay win against Crystal Palace.

The original game had finished 3-3 with Hughes scoring twice. As a result, United entered the European Cup Winners' Cup as English clubs returned to Europe after their 5-year exile. Having scored in the semi-final, Sparky demonstrated his taste for the big occasion with both goals in a 2-1 final win against Barcelona. United improved in the league and reached the League Cup final, losing 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday. Hughes was again the star and he was again voted PFA Player of the Year. The team transferred their cup form into the league the following season, losing only 3 of the first 38 games to leave them a point clear with four games to go. However, three consecutive defeats left them languishing in second behind Leeds. Hughes did pick up another medal though as United won the League Cup with a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. (Steve Drabble)

Despite two defeats at the start of the 1992/93 season, United soon continued the form of the previous title challenge. In November, Hughes had a new striking partner, Eric Cantona, and the pair combined to fire the Red Devils to their first League Championship for 26 long years, 10 points clear of second placed Aston Villa. With the hoodoo behind them, United rose to new heights the following season, challenging on all fronts at home. Hughes scored in the Rumbelows Cup Final, however, the side under-performed and lost 3-1 to Aston Villa. Their league form was impeccable as they walked to a second consecutive title, whilst in the FA Cup United had reached the semi-final to meet Oldham Athletic.

The game was played at Wembley and went into extra-time. With seconds left, United trailed 1-0 and were throwing everything at the Oldham defence. The ball ricocheted around the edge of the box and was lifted into the area. Sparky let the ball come over his shoulder before firing in a spectacular volley. United won the replay and completed the 'Double' with a 4-0 victory over Chelsea in the final. Hughes was again on the score sheet. The 1994/95 season promised further glory yet ended in disappointment as United's failure to beat West Ham on the final day of the season cost them the title. Defeat to Everton in the FA Cup Final six days later was to be Mark's last appearance for the Reds as he moved to Chelsea in the close season, the Londoners parting with a fee of £1, 500, 000 to land their man. His final United goal came in a 3-0 win against Arsenal. Hughes gave his all for the club during his two spells at Old Trafford and will be remembered as one of United's great strikers. (Steve Drabble)