Mark Hughes has been backed by Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook.

Speculation continues to be rife in regards to Hughes' future at the club after crossing from Blackburn for this season and the fact that City have not lived up to expectations may have placed his position in jeopardy.

Cook believes that Hughes needs time to get things right.

"People say 'is Mark going to stick around?'," Cook said.

"He is the manager of the football club and is more than competent at his job.

"We are providing the tools he requires because he feels he needs more to go out and win games.

"This isn't going to happen overnight. This football club is still building.

"We are 16 weeks into the owners taking control. On a 10-year journey that is not a lot of time."