Michael Carrick has backed Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney to go from "strength to strength" this season.

The England striker has scored successive hat-tricks against Arsenal and Bolton and Carrick sees no reason why his superb form cannot continue.

"This is probably Wayne's best season so far and I am expecting big things from him," Carrick said.

"He has done well in the past but he is getting more mature. He is handling things well and going from strength to strength.

"Sometimes he plays well but because he hasn't scored, people don't think he has played well. They just judge him on his goals. To score and perform the way he has is brilliant."

United take on Benfica this Wednesday in their opening Champions League fixture, before taking on title rivals Chelsea on Sunday.