Source: Team_Talk
Hughes urges Rooney to stay put
Former Manchester United striker Mark Hughes fears Wayne Rooney has been backed into a corner by his agent's handling of contract negotiations.[LNB] Hughes, the Fulham manager, suggests a game of brinkmanship over a new deal has backfired on Rooney but hopes he finds a way to stay at Old Trafford.[LNB]"Maybe Wayne's representatives have taken a position to negotiate a new contract but maybe they've miscalculated," he said.[LNB]"The position they're in makes it very difficult for Wayne to come back from.[LNB]"Whether or not that was the intention initially, they have overplayed their position.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"Sometimes the grass isn't always greener.[LNB]"Sometimes agents can be a really positive influence, but sometimes they can make your job harder.[LNB]"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."[LNB]Hughes believes Sir Alex Ferguson's handling of the episode highlights his adaptability as a manager.[LNB]"Sir Alex understands that football changes very quickly and he's been able to change with it," said Hughes.[LNB]"His approach to similar situations in the past would have been different. That shows what a good manager he is."
