Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck should not be concerned by lack of goals, says Michael Carrick

Striker scored Manchester United's goal against Real Madrid

Danny Welbeck rises to score the opening goal (AP)

Michael Carrick has urged Danny Welbeck not to bother about his lack of goals.

Welbeck scored for only the second time this season when he climbed above Sergio Ramos to give Manchester United the advantage in their Champions League draw with Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The tally compares badly alongside Robin van Persie's 23 goals and the 13 and 14 scored by Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez respectively.

But Carrick does not believe the statistics do justice to Welbeck's overall contribution.

"If the team is winning, who is scoring is not such an issue," said Carrick.

"Danny has all the attributes to be a top player but probably doesn't get the credit he deserves.

"As a Manchester lad, he loves the place. He is genuine and gives everything.

"He worked so hard again against Real."

With a three-week gap to the return leg on March 5, United can now afford to switch their attentions back to domestic matters.

However, the fall-out from Wednesday's absorbing encounter in the Bernabeu is sure to affect his team selection for Monday's FA Cup fifth-round tie with Reading.

Having stuck his neck out to select Welbeck, Ferguson knows he was upsetting Hernandez, who remained on the bench throughout.

And, as Welbeck was forced out of the Real contest early after suffering from cramp, it is a fair bet Hernandez will start against Brian McDermott's improving outfit.

"I explained to Javier that Robin van Persie is our main striker and that we want someone to join in from a deeper position," said Ferguson.

"But whenever Javier plays, he delivers. He has 14 goals already, will get ample opportunity and will score more than 20."

Yet Ferguson knows it is impossible to keep everyone happy all the time, with two of his senior wingers leaving Spain without even getting a place on the bench.

"There were a lot of disappointed players.

"Nani and Ashley Young are two international footballers. I find it hard to explain that I have left them out."

PA