Carrick Welcomes Herrera

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is looking forward to playing alongside new signing Ander Herrera next season.

Carrick has backed the 24-year-old Spanish midfielder to make a big impact at Old Trafford following his £29million arrival from Athletic Bilbao.

“I have played against him and he is a terrific player,” Carrick told Sky Sports News.

“The more quality we have, the better, and he is certainly right up there. So I am sure he is looking forward to getting started and getting the first game under his belt and fitting in.

“We will certainly make him feel as welcome as we can.”

Carrick is also keen to get started under new boss Louis van Gaal after the unsuccessful reign of David Moyes.

He said: “I’m looking forward to working with him (Van Gaal). I’m looking forward to meeting him and getting cracking really.

“Looking back it was a disappointing campaign but we have got to learn from it – never stop learning – and take what we can.

“We have still certainly got enough quality in the squad anyway regardless of who is coming in this summer to be up there challenging again.”

The departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have left a big hole in the United defence but Carrick believes the club’s youngsters can fill the void.

He said: “(They are) two huge players, huge characters and true legends at the club and rightly so.

“Yes they will be missed for what they bring, but at the same time it’s a chance for other people to step in and we have certainly got the talent to do that.”