Guardiola: Carrick's one of the greatest holding midfielders ever

If Pep Guardiola was assembling a dream team, there might be a place for Manchester United's Michael Carrick.

The Manchester City manager has previously expressed a liking for the play of Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez and Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, and has now revealed that he ranks Carrick, 35, alongside Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso as the leading players in his position.

"He's one of the best holding midfielders I've ever seen in my life, by far," Guardiola told BBC Sport.

The Spanish tactician was speaking ahead of Thursday's Manchester derby, which promises to be pivotal in deciding who finishes in the Premier League's top four. City is clinging onto a place in the best quartet thanks to fifth-placed United being one point in arrears. A 2017-18 campaign without Champions League football would be deemed a rank failure by both sets of supporters.

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Guardiola also highlighted Marcus Rashford, 19, as a "good talent," and said he's wary of the challenge United poses. The Red Devils have gone unbeaten in the league since October's embarrassing 4-0 loss at Mourinho's old employer Chelsea.

"They are good, good rivals, good quality, in good form. They've had big series without defeat in the Premier League," Guardiola said.

"They have a lot of quality, history. We're looking forward to the game."

City won the previous league encounter 2-1 at Old Trafford in September, but gives United a reluctant welcome after having been dumped from the FA Cup semi-finals by Arsenal on Sunday.