Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rates former Blackburn Rovers defender Phil Jones as a £16.5 million "steal".

Ferguson is ­convinced Jones will thrive and ­prosper at Old Trafford.

He anticipated nothing less from the day he first saw Jones in action for Blackburn's youth team - and a knowing endorsement from ­ex-Rovers boss Sam Allardyce reinforced his judgment.

"Big Sam said we stole him," Ferguson revealed with a self-satisfied grin. "I'll take the ­advice of an older man! I was ahead of the game and recognised Phil when he played against us in Blackburn's youth team a couple of years ago and was ­absolutely magnificent.

"I spoke to Sam the next day and he just laughed and said he was putting him in the first team. I don't think putting pressure on him is a big worry. Not at this club.

"You don't need to put unnecessary ­pressure on him, but I think he'll find his own way all right.

"It's difficult to make comparisons with other players. He's a ­dynamic player, he's quick, he's two-footed.

"He's got a great attitude to playing and he'll be a good player.

"It certainly helps a young player's ­education to play different positions - if he can do it. And he can. Centre-half will probably be his best position eventually.

"He's got leadership ­qualities and that kind of thing, but he could play anywhere. It's too early to talk about captaincy. That's the kind of pressure he doesn't need.

"He's only 19."