Carrick supports rotation policy

Michael Carrick feels the benefits of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad rotation system are plain to see, after United booked a berth in the last eight of the Champions League on Tuesday.

The England midfielder played a key role against French champions Lyon alongside Darren Fletcher and Anderson, a totally different central midfield to the Paul Scholes-Owen Hargreaves axis which started Saturday's win at Fulham.

With such a range of quality options throughout the squad, Carrick is confident that the Reds have a vitality and quality which bodes well for the season's run-in.

"It's going really well," he told MUTV. "It's brilliant when you're winning. Everyone looks really good and is hitting good form, and as long as it keeps working I think we're all happy.

"Even with the different players everyone gels really well, and hopefully that's going to benefit us in the final stages of the season when the really big games turn up."

Having secured passage through the quarter-finals in Europe and clawed back most of Arsenal's lead in the Premier League title race in the last fortnight, United's attentions switch to FA Cup duty this weekend.

Only Portsmouth stand between the Reds and a fourth semi-final in five years, but Carrick expects a stern test from Harry Redknapp's side.

"It'll be tough," he said. "They've been in good form away from home this season. They've got a lot of pace and attacking threat, but if we are on our game then we should win."