MARK Hughes is backing Manchester United to defend their Premier League title after they underlined their credentials by beating Blackburn yesterday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side returned to the top of the table following the 2-0 win at Old Trafford.

And Hughes believes his former club are going to take some stopping in their quest to become champions for the 10th time.

"United are a very good team and what they have got is pace in all areas," said Hughes.

"Whoever plays for them, they've got strength, they've got power, and they've got pace, and those qualities, allied with outstanding skill, make them a very difficult team to overcome.

"So, obviously, they are the defending champions and they'll go very close again, I'm sure."

Having already succeeded in taking points off Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal this season, Rovers headed to Old Trafford confident they could frustrate another of the big four'.

However, two goals in 90 seconds midway through the first half, both scored by Cristiano Ronaldo, ultimately shattered Rovers' brave resistance.

Then any thoughts of a comeback were firmly scuppered once David Dunn was sent off early in the second half.

Hughes said: "In the first half, I thought we created enough chances and played well enough, but there is frustration that we weren't able to keep that going because of circumstances.

"A few decisions went against us and there was maybe a feeling that it wasn't going to be our day, in terms of the referee's decisions.

"However, that's not the reason we conceded the goals. We conceded the goals because on the two occasions, we didn't do what we should have done."

The Rovers chief added: "It's very difficult for officials here. There's seventy-odd thousand Manchester United fans, and only two thousand Blackburn fans, so it's a very intimidating arena.

"I just felt the second half was taken out of our hands somewhat, because we obviously wanted to get back into the game, and if we'd got that early goal we were looking for, then, with even sides, who knows what might have happened?

"But in the end, it was really a case of just trying to limit the damage, and we did that because, in the past, I've seen sides go under in similar circumstances."