Sir Alex Ferguson hails Liverpool’s ‘fantastic’ Jamie Carragher

Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his admiration for Jamie Carragher, comparing the Liverpool defender with Red Devils legend Steve Bruce.

The 35-year-old, like the Red Devils boss, is set to retire at the end of the season after a decorated 16-year career with the 18-time English champions.

Carragher has been ever-present in the Liverpool side for their many clashes against United over the past decade, memorably scoring two own goals in a 3-2 loss in 1999.

And Ferguson admitted he was a big fan of the former England international.

“He’s absolutely a player I admire,” Ferguson told Liverpool’s website.

“He’s the epitome of a loyal, dedicated player who Liverpool have been lucky to have for more than a decade.

“He’s been a bedrock of their defensive qualities for years and years.

“I loved him. He’s a fantastic example for any young lad that wants to play the game. He’s been a really, really good professional.

“He’s absolutely the type of player a manager wants. I used to rave about Brucie [Steve Bruce] and the nine years he had with us, and I think Jamie Carragher is that exact same mould – can play with injuries, gets knocked about and gets back up, hardly misses a game.

“You’re lucky to have players like that. I was lucky to have Steve Bruce and he is the same type of player. A fantastic player.”