Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has declared Michael Carrick the "best English player" in the game. In what could be a swipe at Wayne Rooney, Ferguson heaped praise on his Geordie teammate.

Speaking to BT Sport, Ferguson said: "They have still got great players - I still think Michael Carrick is the best central midfield player in English football, I really do.

"I think he is the best English player in the game."