Stoke City boss Mark Hughes can see Wayne Rooney's future in Manchester United's midfield.

Hughes reckons Rooney has what it takes to replace legendary United midfield maestro Paul Scholes, who also played alongside the Stoke boss at Old Trafford.

"I think forward players can adapt," said Hughes, whose team host Louis van Gaal's men today. "Wayne has played most of his career obviously in the forward positions.

"But he is constantly working with midfield players on a daily basis, he'll understand the role.

"So it doesn't surprise me to see Wayne is capable in that position. He's had to adapt but it's not a huge change, as a striker that you are often asked to drop into midfield areas.

"The only difference is that more often than not, you're facing the goal rather than having your back to it. That was the big problem for me when I played there for Wales, I wasn't used to that.

"The goal was always the wrong way. He can still score goals from midfield. But it's a big ask.

"Maybe if he takes all the penalties and all the free kicks he'll get close."