UPDATED: 07:29 EST, 5 April 2013 Sir Alex Ferguson has believed 'dog' Phil Jones might even be considered a success up front, but feels his natural, long-term place is centre-half. As well as his preferred central defensive slot, Jones has played at straight back and central midfield for Manchester United, getting Ferguson's latest star power man, a job previously taken by Brian McClair, Phil Neville and John O'Shea. And although he's competing with Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans for his preferred position, Ferguson is certain he has a big future at United. 'Animal': Phil Jones is highly rated by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson 'Jonny's been really brilliant this season,' Ferguson told Inside United. 'He is 25 years old now and, hopefully for another six or eight years, he could be a typical centre-back for us. Certainly, Rio [Ferdinand] is 34 now and [Nemanja] Vidic is 31. [Patrice] Evra is 31 therefore, in that sense, players like Smalling, Jones and Evans will come to the forefront. 'Jones is going to be a great player, his ability is amazing. Yes [his most useful place is centre-back] but he could be played by you everywhere. I do believe you might enjoy him centre-forward! Heas just that kind of person. Electricity men: Before Jones, John O'Shea and Phil Neville both once played essential roles for Ferguson 'Heas a pet for soccer. He grasps the game, he understands it. Perform him right-back? Amazing. Perform him centre-midfield? No problem. Play him centre-back? Fantastic. United people were preparing themselves for the Manchester derby on Monday, which could see Jones start in midfield. Competition: Robin van Persie (second left) could soon be challenging for a location with Jones Under threat: Danny Welbeck (right) has not scored many goals this season... Unusual: Jones (left) is extremely versatile and Ferguson is guessing big things for him Ferguson continued: 'Heas one of these strange players you get now and again who can play anywhere. Weave perhaps not had a new player like him with regards to a person who could play at that performance level because, well the best you'd get would be Brian McClair. 'Now, Brian McClair was an excellent player. He could play anywhere, McClair. I remember kidding him on once; I said to him, just play and go in the right-back place and he laughed. I said to him, aWhat are you currently laughing at?a and he said, aNext week Iall be centre-half.a But which was his personality, so constructed about life. Nothing bothered him.' Tendency setter? Mark McClair was also an important figure for United
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