Michael Carrick backs United youngsters

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick believes that the club's young players are more than capable of taking their opportunities this season.

Paul Pogba, Ravel Morrison and Ezekiel Fryers are all tipped to feature for the Red Devils when they host Crystal Palace in the League Cup quarter-final tie on Wednesday and Carrick believes that they have what it takes.

"This is a great place to learn your trade. The manager is the best at guiding young players through when he sees they are ready," said Carrick.

"They certainly have the talent. They're good players – they wouldn't be threatening to play if they weren't. They have been doing things right and have ability."

Carrick is expected to be one of a number of first-team players rested on Wednesday, before Manchester United travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.