London, Dec 23 (IANS): Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said Manchester United's midfielder Michael Carrick is at present "the best English player".
"I think Michael's the best central midfielder in English football. I think he's the best English player in the game," Ferguson was quoted as saying by BT Sport Tuesday.
United have won six out of seven games since Carrick, 33, came back from an ankle injury in November and are at the third spot with 32 points from 17 matches.
As a reward for his performances, Carrick was named United vice-captain Friday. He recently won a recall to the England squad shortly after his return to fitness in November, but had to pull out with a minor groin problem.