Michael Carrick used Cristiano Ronaldo as an example as he spoke about the possibility of Manchester United's current young crop of players fulfilling their potential at Old Trafford.
Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams have shown huge promise after breaking into United's first team, while James Garner, Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong have each played at least four times at the beginning of the season.
Carrick is excited about the prospects Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is bringing through at United but warned against fans expecting too much of them early on in their careers, while citing Ronaldo as an example of what is possible when players combine hard work with talent.
"All those great players from the past weren't ready-made by any stretch," Carrick told Mail Online of the great players from United's past.
"We've got the youngest team in the league and they need a bit of guidance and help. But I was one of them when I was younger. Giggsy (Ryan Giggs) was one of them, so was Scholesy (Paul Scholes). They had to learn and make mistakes and improve.
"You learn from experience and by winning but everyone has to start somewhere. Cristiano (Ronaldo) is an example. He took a year or two to settle, then all of a sudden he found his feet and exploded.
"We're aware of that. The players now have potential that is so exciting. I'm seeing them develop every day."
On the scrutiny that United have come under following their difficult start to the league campaign, Carrick added: "We had stick at the start of 2007/08. We weren't playing well or scoring enough goals. We ended up with the Champions League and Premier League.
"You become totally oblivious to outside noise, that's the truth. The scrutiny and expectation is something you get used to. Everyone wants a piece of Manchester United, good or bad. You have to take it and when it's good, it's something special."
