Paul Scholes critical of Phil Jones' intelligence at centre-back

Paul Scholes believes Phil Jones doesn't have the intelligence to play at centre-back, as he gets dragged out of position too easily by clever forwards.

The Manchester United legend insists that the player has the pace and delivery to play at right-back, a position he played for England in their 0-0 draw with Ireland, but should be kept out of central areas in a team looking to win the title.

The defender is known for his versatility and can play in midfield or in defence, depending on what the manager wants from him. He made a much decorated move to United in 2011, when he was regarded as one of the best talents in the country and was expected to take over from the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand as a defensive leader at the back.

However, his development has been stunted by a series of injuries and the lack of opportunities at the back by the manager, for which he is still considered a bit part player at Old Trafford.

"I just think at centre back, when he is playing against clever forwards, he tends to get dragged out of position quite easily," Scholes said.

"At right-back you still need to be clever positionally but I think he can use his pace and power and he hasn't got a bad delivery either.

"I just think at centre half he is not quite clever enough to do it," he added.

Jones has not had the opportunity to show his talents at right-back consistently this season with the Red Devils, with Antonio Valencia being given the nod and Chris Smalling also being preferred in that position by Louis van Gaal.

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a summer move for Nathaniel Clyne, who was passed up by England manager Roy Hodgson in the starting eleven, despite his recent performances for Southampton warranting a call to the national team.