Fans are shocked after discovering what Man Utd legend Mark Hughes' real name is

Fans are stunned upon discovering Manchester United legend Mark Hughes’ real name.

Hughes is one of the most respected names in British football, having made some 358 appearances for United across two spells at the club.

The striker netted 132 goals in all competitions for the Old Trafford club and was lauded for his ability to play with his back to goal and his instinctive one-touch finishing.

The silver-haired football legend also earned 72 caps for Wales scoring 16 goals, before taking up a career in management.

Hughes has taken the reins of the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers and the Wales national team while he can now be seen patrolling the touchline at League Two side Bradford.

Essentially he is a household name. But fans are only just realising that Hughes is not really called Mark.

The ex-United star’s first name is actually Leslie, just like his father. Upon embarking upon his football career Hughes opted to be known by only his middle name - and it stuck in the public sphere forever.

Hughes says it was always the intention to be known as 'Mark', despite having Leslie on his birth certificate.

Speaking to FourFourTwo, Hughes explained: "I was always going to be Mark Leslie Hughes, but maybe it sounded better or looked better on the birth certificate as Leslie Mark Hughes.

"That’s the only reason, but I was always going to be Mark."

The revelation that Hughes’ Christian name is in fact Leslie has surprised a fair number of fans on social media.

One wrote on Twitter: "Years ago I found an old copy of Match magazine in a newspaper agent who was selling off old stock.

"This was how I found out that Mark Hughes' first name is actually Leslie."

Another added: "Always makes me chuckle, knowing that Mark Hughes' real name is Leslie."

A third wrote: "Think of him as Mark Hughes back in the day and Leslie Hughes now."

A fourth said: "Wait, what? Mark Hughes' name is Leslie?"

A fifth said: "Mark Hughes’ first name is Leslie and he doesn’t strike me as a Leslie."

Another said: "I am so conflicted. Love Mark Hughes, don’t like Leslie Hughes. How about that as a way to get through this?"

One person simply posted: "Three words. Leslie. Mark. Hughes."

Topics: Fan Reactions, Manchester United, Football

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.