Ander Herrera has backed fellow midfielder Scott McTominay to step up

Ander Herrera has backed fellow midfielder Scott McTominay to step up and fill the void left by Michael Carrick in the Manchester United playing squad.

Former England star Carrick, 36, will hang up his boots this summer and take a place on United's coaching staff.

Although he has only featured four times in all competitions this season, Carrick has been a key figure at Old Trafford over the past 12 years.

'I have no words to describe him,' Herrera told United's matchday magazine on the subject of Carrick. 'I feel a little bit embarrassed to talk about him because he is simply a legend.'

Herrera, who himself has only started eight Premier League games this term, believes that 21-year-old McTominay's emergence as a first-team player will help soften the blow felt by Carrick's retirement.

'He's going to be a good player for the club'' Herrera added. 'He's a team player and he can help in any position you put him.

'You saw against Chelsea he was a little more defensive and almost doing the job I did against (Eden) Hazard last season, not exactly the same but similar. He can be more offensive as well and he presses a lot.

'We know we're not going to have Michael Carrick after this season so we need to add more midfielders to the team and I think Scott is really ready to play in the Premier League and help the team.

'As we say in Spanish, he has his ears open to listen and to learn because he wants a long career at this club and he has the qualities to do it.'

Carrick has played 315 Premier League games since joining United from Tottenham.

He has helped United claim five PL titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups, six Community Shields, one Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup and last season's Europa League.