Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick insists they can handle being without Wayne Rooney for their Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow.

If there is any doubt at all over Rooney's recovery from a calf injury sustained on England duty in the Ukraine, he will remain in Manchester where he can be with wife Coleen, who is due to give birth to the couple's first child.

Although Carrick accepts it would be a blow to be without his international team-mate, he does feel there is sufficient strength in depth among the Old Trafford ranks not to get too depressed.

"It is a blow," he said.

"You want your best players fit and available as much as possible.

"But we have the squad. Everyone is here to perform when others are missing. That is the whole point and I am sure we will be fine."