Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Michael Carrick's performance for victory over West Bromwich Albion.

Fergie recognised Carrick's value and welcomed a straightforward win, which included United's first clean sheet since November.

He said: "Getting a Michael Carrick is very difficult these days.

"Carrick is the key to it. If you look at the central midfielders in the Premier League, he can match any of them in terms of quality.

"He can read the game and also play in front of the back four."