Sir Alex Ferguson Claimed Phil Jones Could Become Manchester United's ‘Best Ever Player’

Sir Alex Ferguson once made a bold claim about Phil Jones after Manchester United secured their 20th Premier League title.

The 27-year-old defender was playing in the centre of defence in the Red Devils' 3-0 victory over Aston Villa back in 2013, but that didn't stop the legendary Scotsman from heaping some praise on the player.

"Jones, arguably the way he is looking, could be our best ever player. I think Jones may be one of the best players we have ever had, no matter where we play him," he said (via ESPN).

"At 21 years of age, he is going to be a phenomenal player. I think he can play anywhere on the pitch.

"He has such a massive influence, with his instinct and reading of the game. He has a drive about him."

Interestingly enough, the 77-year-old former United head coach suggested that he was leaving behind some promising young talent in the squad.

"Rafa [Rafael da Silva] is incredible," he added.

"That impetuosity has left him playing with greater maturity now, as the season has progressed. David de Gea has developed fantastically well.

"I think we have a nucleus of players who are young enough we expect them to improve. It's not asking too much of players to improve."

Hmm... we're not sure David Moyes, José Mourinho and Louis van Gaal would probably agree with that.

Okay, de Gea has been United's best player in recent seasons -- although he has struggled to replicate that form this season -- but Rafael was shipped off to Lyon in 2015 and Jones, who signed a new deal back in February, has often found himself on the receiving end of criticism.

Following their 1-1 draw to Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium, it was confirmed that United had failed to secure Champions League football next season.

It has also been reported that United players will see their wages drop as a result of missing out on football in Europe's elite club competition.

Will United finish in the top four next season?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Aston Villa, Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Phil Jones, red devils, Fergie, Premier League, Old Trafford

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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