Fulham boss urges Rooney to stay put at Man Utd

Hughes believes Rooney has been badly advised by his agent, over his recent stance.

“Maybe Wayne’s representatives have taken a position to negotiate a new contract but maybe they’ve miscalculated,” he said.

“The position they’re in makes it very difficult for Wayne to come back from.

“Whether or not that was the intention initially, they have overplayed their position.

“I hope Wayne stays at Manchester United. He’s at the right club at this moment in time – he’s got good people around him.

“Sometimes the grass isn’t always greener.

“Sometimes agents can be a really positive influence, but sometimes they can make your job harder.

“We all have to deal with player power. The nearer a player gets to the end of his contract, the more the power shifts to him and his representatives.”

Hughes has also hailed his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s handling of the Rooney saga.

“Sir Alex understands that football changes very quickly and he’s been able to change with it,” added the Welshman.

“His approach to similar situations in the past would have been different. That shows what a good manager he is.”