"I think the Premier League is the hardest league in world football and Ronaldo is playing with the top club in it," Hughes told the Daily Star ahead of Saturday's game with United.

"Why would he leave it? There is absolutely no reason to do so because everything is there for him."

Hughes, a former Barcelona man as well, advised the 22-year-old winger to stay at the 'top level' rather than join the Catalan giants.

"He is a top player in the top club in the top league, so there is no reason to leave," added the Welshman, who scored more than 80 goals for United.

"Barcelona, for instance, is a fantastic club and has the standing in world football that United has.

"But I don't see Barca as a top club at the moment."

The Portuguese wizard has been incredible for United this season, hitting 28 Premiership goals so far as Alex Ferguson's team are set for a second straight title.