Carrick: Welbeck Still Key

Danny Welbeck won't struggle for games this season, according to Michael Carrick, despite Manchester United's wealth of attacking options.

Robin van Persie's strong start for the Reds – four goals in three games – has naturally elevated him to the top of the pecking order and Sir Alex has since imported 18 year-old striker Angelo Henriquez from Chile. Competition for places is part of life at United, though, and Welbeck wouldn't have signed a new four-year deal if he didn't believe he could improve upon last season's impressive form.

"We've got five options up front, really, and Danny has played in different positions," Carrick told reporters in Chisinau, where England faced Moldova in a World Cup 2014 qualifying match on Friday night.

"He's also played out wide and done fine. But I think he'll play more than his fair share of games up front and score enough goals. Watching the likes of Robin and Wayne [Rooney] will improve him as the years go by."

Van Persie's electric start to his United career hasn't escaped Carrick, who admits he's loving playing alongside the Dutchman this season.

"To get off the mark like he did at home with pretty much his first touch of the ball was special. Then his hat-trick was much needed because we were in a tough position. It’s a better start than he could have hoped for and he will be looking to carry it on.

"When the ball came to him for his first goal at Southampton I was so confident it was going to be a goal. To have someone like that in your team is satisfying because you know if you supply him with the right ammunition he will put it away.

"Hopefully Robin has a few more hat-tricks and goals in him for this season."