Hughes Deal

The utility player was approaching the end of the two-year deal he signed after moving to United from Norwich City in the summer of 2007, but he has earned an additional 12 months after activating an appearance-related clause in his existing agreement.

Hughes has been on the sidelines for the past month with a hamstring strain but he has made 18 league starts this season and 26 appearances in all.

He said: "It was in my contract when I first came here that if I made a certain amount of appearances in my second year then there would be another year. I'm delighted to have reached that because this is a place I love being at."

Hughes has returned to full training after his hamstring injury and is in contention for Saturday's match against Crewe Alexandra.