Man Utd legend Mark Hughes lands shock manager job with EFL's worst team
Man Utd legend Mark Hughes lands shock manager job with EFL's worst team
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Former Manchester United striker Mark Hughes has made a surprise return to management after being appointed head coach of League Two strugglers Carlisle United. Hughes, 61, had been out of work since being sacked by fellow fourth-division side Bradford City in October 2023. The Welshman takes over a Carlisle side currently languishing rock bottom of the table and on course to suffer back-to-back relegations.
The Cumbrians sacked ex-Newcastle defender Mike Williamson on Monday following a run of five defeats in six games since the turn of the year. Williamson, who was only appointed in September to replace club legend Paul Simpson, had been backed with 11 new signings in the winter transfer window, but his position became untenable in the eye of the club's wealthy American owners after Saturday's 5-1 thrashing at home to Swindon Town.
Mirror Football understands that former Northampton Town manager Jon Brady was in talks to take the job, with recently-departed Bolton Wanderers boss Ian Evatt and former Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell also linked. But Hughes has been given the keys to Brunton Park on a rolling contract and tasked with sparking a survival push. The 61-year-old's only previous experience managing in the Football League came at Bradford. It was his Bantams side who lost to Carlisle in the 2023 League Two play-off semi-finals.
Hughes was relieved of his duties in the early part of last season, a decision which he described a 'ludicrous' and 'unfair'. The ex-Wales boss, who won 72 caps for his country, previously managed more than 500 games in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City and Southampton. Carlisle hope that Hughes' experience will help stave off the threat of being relegated to National League for the first time since 2005. "I'm delighted that Mark has agreed to join Carlisle United," sporting director Rob Clarkson said.
"His experience and stature in the game speaks for itself. He is someone who will instantly command respect from all staff and players and I am really excited to work with him. The players we have here will suit the way he wants to play and I'm sure our fans will really get behind him and the team in our remaining 18 games.". Will Mark Hughes be a success at Carlisle United? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
Hughes enjoyed a stellar playing career, scoring both of United's goals in their famous 1991 European Cup Winners' Cup final win over former club Barcelona in Rotterdam. He initially came through the Red Devils' academy before joining Barcelona and then German giants Bayern Munich on loan. After re-signing for United, Hughes helped Sir Alex Ferguson's team to their first Premier League title win in 1993. He scored a total of 163 goals in 467 appearances across two his trophy-laden spells at Old Trafford.
Hughes went on to sign for Chelsea before moves to Southampton, Everton and finally Blackburn. He was given the Wales job in 1999, combining playing with managing for the first three years of his tenure. His first game back in the dugout will be away to Grimsby Town on Saturday. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
