Hughes may still have a role to play for United (From Daily Echo)

Hughes may still have a role to play for United

7:00am Saturday 12th May 2012 in Your Say By Lawrie McMenemy

THE FA Cup final used to be the real highlight of this time of the season.

But this year’s edition had some of the gloss taken off it, particularly with the kick-off time being put back to 5.15pm and also a Premier League match on the same day. Having said that, it wasn’t too bad a game between Chelsea and Liverpool.

But that’s all over and the main event now is tomorrow’s Premier League action, which is vital at both ends of the table.

Amazingly, Manchester City could win the title on goal difference – something which has never happened.

While Manchester United, their great rivals, have ruled the roost in that city for so many years, their recent 4-4 draw at home to Everton gave City an unexpected opportunity. And they have grasped it so far with both hands.

While United are at Sunderland, where Martin O’Neill will surely want to finish on a high, City are at home to a QPR team who have got a huge task at the other end of the table.

They are managed by Mark Hughes who of course had many glory years at Old Trafford and would want to win for that reason alone. But he also has and added incentive – the way he was put out of work at Manchester City, where he was followed by the present incumbent, Roberto Mancini.

Read Lawrie's full column in today's Daily Echo