Thomas tips Hughes to make United move

Former Manchester United and Wales star Mickey Thomas believes the Welsh Football Association will struggle to hold onto national boss Mark Hughes if he is offered the chance to work alongside Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

Ferguson’s previous number two Carlos Queiroz yesterday revealed that Hughes was targeted for a return to United earlier in the season.

The Welsh FA have said they expect Hughes to see out his contract with them but admit they will not stand in his way if he does want to join the Premiership champions.

Thomas told Sky Sports News: “I think he’d be the perfect choice. I think he’s a fantastic manager for Wales and I think he’d do fantastic in the Premiership.

“To work with someone like Alex Ferguson, what a great opportunity that would be for Mark.

“Obviously it would be a distraction because he wants to get Wales to Portugal (for Euro 2004), if he could do that it would be a fantastic achievement and the first time ever for Wales.

“That would obviously be his top priority but I think when Manchester United come knocking on your door, you have to answer that door and go along with whatever they say.

“Mark Hughes is his own man and knows what is best for his future, but if this opportunity does come I’m sure it will be too difficult to turn down.”

Another ex-United hero, Frank Stapleton, has also backed Hughes as a possible future assistant for Ferguson.

He added: “I think Mark has got a lot of great attributes. I think the players all know him, a lot of them played with him, and I think he has got a lot of respect from them for what he has done as a player and in his short time as a manager.”