Carrick Has 'Sixth Sense'

Phil Jones thinks Michael Carrick is still under-rated, even though the elegant midfielder is starting to get the recognition he deserves for a string of fine displays this term.

The summer signing from Blackburn has seen Carrick's qualities at close quarters after partnering him in midfield of late and believes his footballing instinct is second-to-none.

"He’s terrific," he told ManUtd.com. "I don’t think everybody realises what he does for the team. 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."

As for his own scoring ability, after netting in consecutive games recently and hitting the woodwork at Loftus Road, Jones has set his own target for the campaign.

"I’d probably like to end the season with five or six goals," he admitted. "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."