Sir Alex Ferguson wishes Mark Hughes was playing

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he wishes Mark Hughes was playing against Manchester City next weekend.

Hughes takes his QPR side to the Etihad Stadium next weekend with City requiring the three points to seal the Premier League title.

Meanwhile, Ferguson's United travel to Sunderland looking to take advantage of any slip-up that City make to Hughes's side.

Looking ahead to the two encounters, Ferguson has said that he would feel more positive about the results going his way if former United striker Hughes was lining up for QPR.

"[Man City are] red hot favourites and will make sure they win the match, but QPR need a point and they're fighting for survival," Ferguson told BBC Sport. "The whole future of the club could be resting on the game and I only wish Sparky was playing.

"Mark knows his job alright. He was sacked by City in a very unethical way and he'll remember that. Mark Hughes teams always fight but QPR players are fighting for survival.

"It's always our job, the expectation and responsibility of Manchester United players is to win the match. We'll go there optimistic. It won't be easy but we'll have a go."

Ferguson was speaking after his side had defeated Swansea City 2-0.