Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick explained his decision to replace Bruno Fernandes with Donny van de Beek in the starting line up against Villarreal.

United claimed a 2-0 win away from home to qualify for the round of 16 in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

However, they got the goals after Carrick substituted van de Beek for Fernandes in the second half, while also bringing on Marcus Rashford for Anthony Martial.

"They are both fantastic players, that's the beauty of having the squad we have," Carrick told BT Sport pre-match.

"I have only been here 48 hours, there are decisions to be made but I was spoiled for choice. It is as simple as that.

"Five subs is a lot of substitutes in the Champions League and there will be a lot of players who play abig part tonight. Just because players are on the bench it doesn't mean they are not important at all."

Asked if form was the reason for the change: "Not one of the players have been at their best, there is no hiding from that.

"But there is a team to be picked. I love Bruno, he is a fantastic player, he ran his socks off on Saturday.

"But it's the job to pick the team and that is the team I picked. But that doesn't mean Bruno isn't important by any stretch."