Phil Jones hails Manchester United team-mate Michael Carrick’s ‘sixth sense’

The former Blackburn man believes the 30-year-old is ‘massively underrated’ and plays a vital role, whilst targeting an increase in his personal goal tally this season

By Miles Chambers

Michael Carrick, Manchester United
Getty Images

Manchester United youngster Phil Jones has praised team-mate Michael Carrick's “sixth sense” on the football pitch.

The 19-year-old arrived at Old Trafford over the summer and has been deployed at full-back, centre-back and in midfield, showcasing not only the Red Devils growing injury list but also his own versatility.

As a result, Jones has had plenty of opportunity to see the 30-year-old in action and has heralded the former Tottenham midfielder for his awareness and impact on and off the ball.

“He’s terrific, I don’t think everybody realises what he does for the team,” Jones told the club’s official website.

“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.

“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.

“He has a great range of passing, too, and, as we saw at QPR, he has goals in him as well.”

The England international has made a massive impact in Sir Alex Ferguson's side since his arrival from Blackburn, yet Jones insists he would like to increase his goal tally, which currently stands at two, before the end of the season.

Jones admitted: “I’d probably like to end the season with five or six goals.

“That would be great. If I keep playing in midfield I’m sure I can get into goalscoring positions and bang in a few more.”



 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line

    England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012

  2. How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory

    Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused

  3. In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012 In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012

    The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament

  4. The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution

    The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market

  5. Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job

    The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday