Xabi Alonso reveals he was a big fan of a former Manchester United midfield partnership

Xabi Alonso has described one-time Manchester United midfield partnership of Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick as "a perfect machine."

The Bayern Munich midfielder was speaking about the pair in a wide-ranging interview with The Sunday Times, and said the duo should've been utilised better for the England national team. Scholes is considered a legend at Old Trafford, having come through the youth team to win 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two Champions League crowns. The 40 year old made 718 appearances for the Red Devils, before retiring in 2013. While Carrick signed for United from Spurs in 2006, and has won five league titles and the European Cup, if not the same level of praise as other United midfielders in the past. However, former Liverpool player Alonso believes Carrick was good enough to play for the all-conquering Spanish national team which won the World Cup and two European Championships."I've always seen myself in him; he could play in the Spain national team," Alonso said. "I remember him and Scholes were like a perfect machine, because Carrick was always in the right position and Scholes was moving around, doing his special things. "But in the national team Carrick doesn't play that important a role. I could see him being an important figure in making the team better, but it doesn't happen." Carrick has only played 33 times for England since making his debut 14 years ago, with the 34 year old being left out of England's World Cup squad in 2014. Scholes retired from the Three Lions in 2004, after becoming unhappy with being used in a wide role. H/T Talking Baws.