Mark Hughes has hit back at Jose Mourinho in his running battle with the Manchester United boss for branding Stoke long ball.

Hughes pushed Mourinho during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at the bet365 Stadium, allegedly telling him to “f*** off”, and dismissed his jibe that the Potters are direct as “lazy”.

Mourinho snubbed shaking Hughes’ hand at the end before claiming this was a “game for Fellaini” because Stoke hit so many aerial balls.

The Stoke boss rebuffed Mourinho’s insult, saying: “That’s just an easy swipe at us really.

“You could argue United played more long balls, and why wouldn’t they? They’ve got power and pace and if they can get those players ahead of the ball with good accuracy, they’ve got pace and power to burn.

Far happier before the game (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)
Jose Mourinho snubs Mark Hughes' handshake (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

“So I don’t know what the stats are, but I’d argue that in general play they played more long balls than we did because they’ve got that threat and that’s what they try to exploit.

“I think it’s a bit lazy of people to keep on reverting to that ‘Stoke are a physical team’ thing.

“Goodness knows, we had too many free-kicks against us, but that wasn’t because we’re a physical team, it was because the referee misinterpreted too many things in my view.

“Overall we have changed, we’re a different type of team. I try to bring good players here and we try to play football and I think you saw evidence of that.”

Hughes saw his side hold United to a 2-2 draw (
Image:
2017 Getty Images)

Hughes shoved Mourinho during a heated row when he encroached into his technical area and it is understood the Portuguese felt he tried to get him sent off.

Mourinho retaliated by making a point of shaking the hands of all of Hughes’ staff apart from him and walked out of an interview when quizzed about his snub.

“I prefer not to answer the question because your question is a bad question,” he said. “Because it looks like is my fault, is my problem. And your question is not correct, I am sorry.

“I don’t speak about stupid things, I’m too old for that, talking about stupid things is for stupid people.”

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