Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hails ‘unbelievable’ Phil Jones

Sir Alex Ferguson is backing Phil Jones to develop into a key player for Manchester United ahead of Monday’s derby clash with Manchester City.

The 21-year-old has been limited to just 16 appearances this season due to a series of injuries, after playing 41 games for the Red Devils last season.

But Ferguson has seen enough of the versatile England international, who joined the club from Blackburn in 2011, to know that he has a fantastic future ahead of him at Old Trafford.

“Jones is going to be a fantastic player, his talent is unbelievable,” Ferguson told Inside United.

“Yes [his best position is centre-back] but you could play him anywhere. I think you could play him centre-forward!

“He’s just that type of player, he’s an animal for football. He grasps the game, he understands it. Play him right-back? Brilliant. Play him centre-midfield? No problem. Play him centre-back? Terrific.

“He’s just one of those unusual players you get now and again who can play anywhere.

“We’ve not had a player like him in terms of someone who can play at that performance level since, well the closest you would get would be Brian McClair.”