Michael Carrick is certain Sir Alex Ferguson will not be disappointed if he does throw his youngsters into Wednesday night's Carling Cup quarter-final with Crystal Palace.
With injuries biting deep into his midfield reserves, Ferguson has confirmed he will hand 18-year-old France youth international Paul Pogba his full debut at Old Trafford. After substitute appearances at Leeds and Aldershot in earlier rounds, Pogba is set to get his chance from the start, with others, such as Larnell Cole and Ravel Morrison, itching for their opportunity too.
After working with them on the training ground these past few months, Carrick said: "I would back them to produce, definitely. They certainly have the talent."
He added: "They are good players. They wouldn't be threatening to play if they weren't.
"They have been doing things right, now it is about going to that next step."Often likened to Patrick Vieira in playing style, Pogba's move to United from Le Havre was completed amid much acrimony from the French outfit.
However, his development has shown why United's coaching staff were so keen to work with the teenager, who was a key figure in last season's FA Youth Cup-winning squad.
Carrick added: "There are not loads of opportunities to come into the first-team, so the Carling Cup is probably the best way to establish yourself."
Once again, criticism of United's midfield was aired after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
Yet Ferguson remains defiant, insisting he will not go into the transfer market just for the sake of it, believing the answers to his problems may be rather closer to hand than many think.
"This is a great place to learn your trade," said Carrick. "The manager is the best at guiding young players through when he sees they are ready. They have had little snippets before and I am sure they will do well if the manager puts them in."
Source: PA
