Kevin Blackwell echoed Arsene Wenger's sentiments regarding Arsenal's latest crop of talent.

The Gunners named a young side for Tuesday's Carling Cup tie against the Blades but were in fine form as they hit six without reply.

"As a manager you never liked to take a defeat like that but tonight was about Arsenal's young guns - we've seen stars of the future," said Blackwell after the fixture at the Emirates Stadium.

"Arsenal are one of the few teams that I would pay to watch. I've spoken to Arsene and he's admitted that these are the best single group of players he's had, they are exceptional."

The United chief added: "Those players are the best in their respective countries, Arsenal have recruited the best from throughout the world.

"In terms of youth development, they are the club that others are aspiring to be. The ball was moving around so quickly that when we closed them down it ruined our shape, they have an impressive set of players."

Nineteen-year-old full Mexican international Carlos Vela was United's chief tormentor, scoring a hat-trick and having a hand in the two goals that Dane Nicklas Bendtner netted.