Man Utd’s Danny Welbeck still a first-team regular – Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick believes Danny Welbeck will still have a key role to play for Manchester United this season despite Robin van Persie’s arrival.

The England international looks set to spend the season acting as back-up to United talisman Wayne Rooney and £24m signing Van Persie at Old Trafford.

But Carrick is confident Welbeck, who scored nine goals in 30 Premier League appearances in 2011/12, will be utilised by Sir Alex Ferguson on a regular basis as the Red Devils look to win their 20th top flight crown.

“We’ve got five options up front, really, and Danny has played in different positions,” Carrick told United’s website.

“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.”

Carrick also heaped praise on Van Persie after the Netherlands striker scored a stunning goal against Fulham in his home debut before netting a hat-trick to help United complete a 3-2 victory over Southampton last weekend.

“To get off the mark like he did at home with pretty much his first touch of the ball was special,” added Carrick.

“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.”

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