"Mark is my automatic choice to be Manchester United's next manager,"
"No-one wants to see Sir Alex Ferguson calling time on a wonderful career but when he does stand down, I would have Hughes taking over.
"The lad wore the red shirt with pride and is still revered by United fans and is by far the finest British contender for what is one of the biggest jobs in world football.
"Rovers were down and out when Mark took over, so he had no alternative other than to pick the club up by the bootlaces.
"We have already seen a great player become a quality manager and the best is yet to come."