Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has hailed his former teammate and West Ham United midfielder Ravel Morrison.

The 20-year-old, who has been in impressive form for the Hammers this season, was let go by then Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012 for his off-pitch issues.

"He's doing a fantastic job of trying to grow and mature into a top-level player," Ferdinand told BT Sport.

"It's been well documented his issues off the pitch. But he has improved dramatically over the past year.

"He's showing the brilliance which you knew he had. He can play one-touch stuff as good as anyone I have seen. He can terrorise defenders."

Ferdinand went on to note how, as a 14-year-old, Morrison used to beat everyone at training.

"I would pay to watch him train, let alone play in a match," said the 35-year-old. "My old manager (Sir Alex Ferguson) said 'have a look at this boy'.

"He was taking the mick out of everyone on the pitch when he was 14. The manager thought he was the best player he had seen at that age."

Morrison is currently part of the England Under-21 side.