Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has branded experienced midfielder Michael Carrick "phenomenal".

The Englishman struggled for first-team action in the early stages of the campaign, but has started two of Man United's last three matches in all competitions.

Carrick drew widespread praise for his display against Fenerbahce in the Europa League last week, while he also starred in the 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the League Cup on Wednesday night.

Mourinho has seemingly played down suggestions that the 35-year-old will start against Burnley in the Premier League this weekend, however, after revealing that he needs to "manage" the veteran.

"He's phenomenal, no doubt about it, but I think I have to manage him. I can't expect from Michael what I expect from [Marcus] Rashford or [Ander] Herrera in terms of playing three to five consecutive matches, but he's phenomenal," Mourinho told reporters.

Carrick joined Man United from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2006.