“He looks like he’s been playing at United for the past four or five years.”

Gary Pallister will go down as one of United’s great defenders.

His partnership with Steve Bruce made up part of a defensive unit that we were able to win titles off of so it is of little wonder that you will see his name in teams of United’s best XI.

Despite being a boyhood Middlesborough fan, Pallister still has an affinity with United having spent 9 years at Old Trafford and the latest player to catch his eye is one that plays in his old position.

Phil Jones has been the talk of the town this season with his £16.5m move to Old Trafford seemingly raising his game to new levels. He has draw comparisons with Duncan Edwards and been touted as a future United and England captain and Pallister for one is sold on the youngster’s ability as he told M.E.N,

“He’s been exceptional. He’s only 19. When I joined United I was 24 with a wealth of experience, even if it wasn’t in the top flight.

“He looks like he’s been playing at United for the past four or five years.

“Already you can see him pointing the finger, bossing people about, shouting and organising players who are much more experienced than him. It is rare that you see that in someone who is only 19.

“He has everything you need to be a top player. What I like about him is his temperament and character.

“He could be there for a number of years. He’s got great maturity and if he keeps going on like this he is going to be an outstanding footballer and have a huge part to play for United.”

But Pallister feels United are looking forward to a bright future because as well as Jones there are two other bright defenders in reserve,

“But you can’t forget about Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans either. Evans has put last year behind him and produced some great performances this season.

“These are great problems for the manager to have and it’s exactly what he would have hoped for.”