England Striker Gunning for Van Persie

Danny Welbeck has proven he can live with Robin van Persie at Manchester United this season according to midfielder Michael Carrick.

Welbeck scored his first two goals of the season in England's 5-0 win over San Marino, and has featured in every one of United's league games this season, amid injury to Wayne Rooney.

Despite being without a club goal this season, Carrick believes Welbeck has shown himself to be a class apart even in the presence of Van Persie, who joined from Arsenal in the summer.

"I am a massive fan of Danny's," said Carrick, who also played a part in England win over San Marino, said. "I am probably a bit biased because of the United connection. But ever since I first saw him I have expected big things of him.

"He has had a terrific couple of years. People were looking at him when we signed Van Persie saying, 'Where is his position, where is he going to fit in?' But he showed he is still a major part of it and he was terrific against San Marino.

"We have got so much strength, but he has been terrific. If he keeps performing like that he is only going to get better.

"He can create and score goals. He can play different positions, he can play wide, he can play up top - he is a real talent.

"He is modest too, what you'd expect coming through the ranks at United. The manager sets standards for the young lads and Danny doesn't get carried away and this won't change him at all.

"He just gets back and starts working hard again and that is what he does best - that is one of his biggest assets."

Van Persie has begun his United career like a house on fire, scoring seven goals already this term, including a hat trick against Southampton.

With Rooney having spent a period on the sides lines, after picking up a leg injury in the win over Fulham at Old Trafford, Welbeck has been handed more opportunities to impress having been demoted to third choice striker behind last season's top two Premier League goal scorers.

However, the United youngster is likely to miss out on a place in the England side to face Poland, despite his double against San Marino, with Jermain Defoe set to partner Rooney up front.