Aaron Lennon received approval from Rio Ferdinand after he named a Manchester United cult hero as “one of the most underrated players” that he played alongside.
The 36-year-old ex-England international, who was capped 21 times for his country, announced his retirement in 2022 after a brief second spell with Burnley.
Lennon started off his career at the Red Devils’ rivals Leeds United before he signed for Tottenham in 2005 and enjoyed a successful run at the north London club.
The former Spurs winger scored 29 times and registered 78 assists in 362 appearances for Tottenham, with Lennon also lifting a League Cup with the club.
Ferdinand rated Lennon during his playing career and the 45-year-old United legend even called on Sir Alex Ferguson to sign his former England teammate.
Joining Ferdinand on the ex-defender’s YouTube channel, Lennon opened up about his experience as a winger and how one United star impressed him on the pitch.
READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand admits he still refuses to call one legendary Man Utd figure by his first name
Lennon and Ferdinand both agree on Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick left West Ham in 2004 and went on to sign for Tottenham, with the United cult hero catching the eye of Ferguson during his time at the London club.
Ferdinand holds former England and United teammate Carrick in high regard and even admitted that he was surprised he wasn’t capped more times for his country.
Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards echoed similar sentiments over how underrated Carrick was and how he was a “fantastic” and “lovely” player.
Speaking on VIBE with FIVE, Lennon revealed how effortless it was to link up with Carrick on the pitch and how they didn’t even need to speak with one another.
“When I first went there [at Tottenham], I obviously played with Michael Carrick, so it was amazing for me. Amazing!” Lennon told Ferdinand.
“He’s one of the most underrated players I’ve ever played with. Literally, I knew once we got eye contact, I’m either going in behind or it’s coming straight to my feet.
“Nothing else. Eye contact. I wouldn’t have to speak to Carrick he was that good. But, honestly, one of the best.”
United legend Carrick getting credit he deserves
Carrick’s influence in United’s teams of the past cannot be understated, despite the fact that the former Red Devils midfielder has been overlooked on many occasions.
Ferguson saw the 42-year-old ex-United star as a worthy partner for Paul Scholes after Roy Keane’s departure to Celtic and Carrick delivered in his performances.
Carrick, who is now the manager of Middlesbrough, made 464 appearances during his time at Old Trafford and picked up 36 assists and scored 24 times for the club.
Before his retirement in 2018, Carrick lifted five Premier League titles, a Champions League, a Europa League, an FA Cup and two League Cups with United.
The ex-England midfielder served in the coaching staff for both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Carrick also acting as United caretaker boss in 2021.