Rooney has been in electric form so far this term. His hat-trick at Bolton on Saturday was his second in successive games, taking his overall tally to eight goals in four matches - just three fewer than he managed in the Barclays Premier League throughout last season.

Although Sir Alex Ferguson intends to make some changes when United begin their latest Champions League quest against Benfica on Wednesday in order to keep his players fresh for Sunday's showdown with Chelsea at Old Trafford, it would be a surprise if Rooney was not involved in some capacity.

Carrick is certainly predicting something special from the 25-year-old, who spent virtually a year in the doldrums after injuring his ankle in a Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich in March 2010.

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

"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."

Rooney's contribution has helped inspire the youngsters in United's squad, to the extent Carrick had not been called upon to contribute a single minute to United's league season until Tom Cleverley got injured at the Reebok.

Ferguson has said in the past that Carrick usually takes a couple of months to get going.

It certainly seemed that way last term when the 30-year-old played just twice during the opening two months - partly due to an ankle injury - but ended up being an integral member of a team that secured a record 19th league title before starting the Champions League final.

"It is not so much a case of being worried about getting back in, more that I just want to play," said the former Tottenham midfielder.

"I have to be patient. I have not been left out in the cold in any way and I know I am going to get games.

"It is frustrating but I look at the bigger picture.

"It hasn't just been me who has had to wait. Others are facing the same situation.

"But now the Champions League has started again more players will be needed."

The most notable team-mate of Carrick's who has yet to have any significant involvement is last season's Golden Boot winner, Dimitar Berbatov.

However, Park Ji-sung, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and Antonio Valencia have also been either peripheral figures, or non-existent in the latter duo's case.

Carrick understands why. It is not just Ferguson who has been enthused by the contribution of the younger players. He has felt the same emotions.

And although Cleverley's four-week absence with damaged ligaments has offered a route back to the first team, the Geordie is disappointed at his team-mate's extended absence.

"The young lads have come out flying," said Carrick.

"It is great to see them bursting through. The buzz around the squad is fantastic.

"There is enthusiasm and energy and the whole thing has gone up a notch. That has shown on the pitch, so Tom's injury is a bitter blow."

In fact, the experience is slowly returning to United ranks.

First it was Patrice Evra, then Rio Ferdinand and now Carrick.

All three felt the pain of that crushing defeat to Barcelona at Wembley in May which has provided the backdrop for United's preparations, even if Carrick does not think it was such a big deal.

"The Champions League final doesn't still hurt," he said. "It was disappointing because we lost the final but it wasn't a massive failure.

"I haven't watched it again. I went on my holidays and focused on this season. You have to accept they were good.

"It is up to us to be better."