Jones: ‘Super’ Michael Carrick is ‘Massively Under-Rated’

Manchester United youngster Phil Jones believes Michael Carrick is one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.

The 19-year-old, who has been lavished with praise all season long, believes his Manchester United midfield colleague is a hugely important player for Sir Alex Ferguson and one who rarely gets the acclaim he deserves.

Carrick has enjoyed a revival in the last two months that seemed very unlikely given some of his underwhelming form for Manchester United over the last 18-months. Maligned for coming up terribly short in two Champions League finals against Barcelona, Carrick has often been singled out for criticism by United fans, yet Jones believes the 30-year-old is one of the club's key performers.

Citing the languid midfielder's canny positional ability and discipline, Jones intimates his stunning form this season has been aided by the unassuming Manchester United star.

"He's terrific," Jones said of Carrick to Manchester United's official website. "I don't think everybody realises what he does for the team.

"He's a super footballer and a great lad. He's massively under-rated.

"Other people may not notice what he does but when you're playing alongside him, you can't help but be impressed." The Manchester United starlet enthused.

"He seems to have this sixth sense - he knows where to be, where the ball's going to be. He's always in the right place at the right time to either receive the ball or break up an attack." The Manchester United youngster continued. "He has a great range of passing, too, and, as we saw at QPR, he has goals in him as well."