Stoke City boss Mark Hughes is under no illusions about the quality of Capital One Cup opponents Manchester United.

United have turned things around to some degree with back-to-back wins in the Champions League and Premier League after two successive home defeats to Everton and Newcastle.

"United teams always display the same characteristic traits," Hughes said ahead of Wednesday night's Capital One Cup quarter-final against United.

"There have been questions about the make up of the team and when that happens United invariably respond and that is what happened at the weekend (against Villa).

"The qualities they have shown over the years are still there in abundance.

"You know United players react to criticism and we have to be careful with that. They have a great squad."