FORMER Rovers star Dave Whelan is tipping Mark Hughes to be the next Manchester United manager.

Martin O'Neill, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Fabio Capello and Ottmar Hitzfeld have all been linked with the job, as well as Ferguson's past and present assistants Steve McClaren and Carlos Queiroz.

But the Wigan chairman, who famously broke his leg playing for Rovers in the 1960 FA Cup final against Wolves, says that the Ewood supremo has done such a great job at Blackburn that he would head the queue to replace Sir Alex Ferguson once he retires.

He said: "Mark Hughes is my automatic choice to be Manchester United's next manager.

"He is still revered by United fans. He did a super job when he was in charge of Wales and that isn't easy due to the limitations on selection. And you can't help but admire the way he's transformed the fortunes of my old club.

"Graeme Souness had spent a fortune but Rovers were down and out when Hughes took over, he had no alternative than to pick the club up by the bootlaces.

"And look at them now, they've had a tremendous season."

Wigan face a tough test at Ewood Park on Monday night - and it's a reunion Whelan is looking forward to.

"I had 11 wonderful years at Rovers - they're a fantastic club and they'll always have a special place in my heart," he said.

"Mark Hughes and our manager Paul Jewell are similar in many ways - they can both inspire, they're honest with everyone they deal with and they are top class managers. I would have no hesitation taking Hughes to United if I was in charge.

"We have already seen a great player become a quality manager and the best is yet to come."