Michael Carrick has branded Villarreal "a very good team" ahead of Manchester United's Champions League clash with the La Liga outfit on Tuesday night.

The Red Devils will head to Spain knowing that a victory would see them book their spot in the last-16 stage of the competition with a match to spare.

Carrick will lead the team into the contest, having replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the helm on a caretaker basis, and the 40-year-old is under no illusions as to the size of the task facing his side.

"They are a very good team, well organised, well coached. They have good technical players, speed, penetration. They have a good mix, good balance. We respect that. We will be going there with a plan to come out on top. A big game for both teams but one we can go and look forward to," Carrick told reporters.

The former midfielder revealed that he was not informed until Sunday morning that he would be leading the team on a caretaker basis following Solskjaer's departure.

Man United will follow the Villarreal clash with two big matches in the Premier League, travelling to Chelsea on Sunday before welcoming Arsenal on December 2.