Fergie hails 'fantastic' Phil

Phil Neville has received a glowing tribute from Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of the Carling Cup match against Leeds tonight.

The England international, who has been employed recently in midfield rather than at full-back, is expected to be restored to the team at Elland Road.

Neville was rested at the weekend in the defeat by Fulham after scoring the winner in the Champions League victory over Rangers.

Ferguson said: “He’s having a fantastic season. The lad is improving all the time.

“For Phil there is the realisation that he came here as a full-back and he’s found another position where he’s thriving.

“It’s as if Phil has matured and it has come to him it is a new position and he is loving it.”