Michael Carrick was handed his first start for Manchester United since the Community Shield on Wednesday night.

The 35-year-old midfielder scored the opening goal for United in their eventual 3-1 EFL Cup third round win over Northampton Town at Sixfields Stadium in what was a solid display in the centre of the pitch.

Carrick operated alongside Morgan Schneiderlin before Marouane Fellaini came on in the second half as United moved their way through to the fourth round where they will take on Manchester City.

Regarding Carrick and United's overall showing, Mourinho told Sky Sports and MUTV: "I don't want to individualise too much.

"I think he was fine and I think the midfield worked really well in the control of the game.

"I changed Schneiderlin to Marouane to try to stop what I know was going to happen with our opponent losing 2-1, which was for them to put long balls into the box and waiting for set pieces.

"But I think collectively the team was fine."