David Moyes understanding of Mark Hughes's plight at Stoke City

West Ham United boss David Moyes has said that he has sympathy for Stoke City counterpart Mark Hughes, who faces a fight to keep his job at the bet365 Stadium.

With Stoke suffering five defeats in six matches in the top flight, Hughes is regarded as the bookmakers' favourite to be the next manager to be sacked in England's top tier.

Moyes led West Ham to a 3-0 victory against the Potters on Saturday afternoon, but the Scot is understanding of Hughes's current plight after difficult spells with Real Sociedad and Sunderland.

The 54-year-old is quoted by The Telegraph as saying: "I have been there before and know what it is like. Stoke City were in the game the whole way. But goals change the way it goes and they were doing everything they could to score, and we did everything we could to keep it out.

"I am sure Mark will think he didn't deserve it. He is a really good manager – look at the level he works at and the time he has been the in the job and to do that is a big achievement, but sometimes the way the result goes football can do that. Sometimes it is cruel to you."

Hughes will reportedly remain in charge of Stoke for Saturday's all-important clash with West Bromwich Albion.