QPR caretaker coach Mark Bowen defended sacked manager Mark Hughes after defeat at Manchester United.

Hughes was sacked on Friday morning and has already been replaced by Harry Redknapp.

"People ask me what went wrong but when this club stayed up on the last day of last season, clubs like Southampton and Reading had a better squad than us," said Bowen.

"They had players who had been together and had success together.

"At times we have been criticised for the number of players who have left.

"Not one player we have let go is anywhere near the Premier League now.

"We have brought good players into the club. I have seen it every day in training. Maybe at times a few of the lads have been found wanting."