Carrick is the best English player in the game

Louis van Gaal's side have been in outstanding form since Carrick returned from an ankle injury he sustained during a pre-season training session.

Manchester United are unbeaten in their last seven games since he started his first match under Van Gaal and Ferguson believes Carrick, who he signed from Tottenham for £18.6million in 2006, has played a huge role in his side's recent success.

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.'

Ferguson also lauded Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and David de Gea ahead of Manchester United's Boxing Day clash against Newcastle.

He added: 'I the World Cup maybe taken a little bit out of Van Persie but you watch him in the second half (of the season), he’ll be fine.

'Rooney is back flying again and Rooney will always get you a goal and that’s always an advantage for a team that’s got a goalscorer in the team.

'And the one that is most pleasing for me of the present lot is David de Gea. When we brought him as a kid, yeah he was frail, skinny, but he had 

ability.

'He has special talents and he is showing that now and I’m really pleased for that kid, I really am. But once they get their players back they will fine, make no mistake about it.'

(dailymail.co.uk)