Welbeck happy to put the work in

Red Devils manager David Moyes revealed ahead of Wednesday's Capital One Cup triumph over Stoke he had told the forward to copy Wayne Rooney's example by remaining outside to practice his finishing after the normal training sessions had finished.

It has worked, given Welbeck scored twice at Aston Villa on Sunday, although the fact he needed to be asked was something of a surprise given there has been a culture of spending additional time working on specific aspects of the game at United since the days of Eric Cantona.

Manchester-born Welbeck could be expected to follow that example, and he explained he has.

"I have been doing that ever since I was a young kid," said Welbeck.

"Obviously I have been injured this season so maybe the manager has not seen me on the training pitch as much.

"I just want to keep on getting better and improving, and those extra hours on the training pitch, whether it be with the boys or individually, will hopefully help me do that."

In fairness to Moyes, he was also highly complimentary of Welbeck's application and work ethic, underlining his belief the 23-year-old will be part of Roy Hodgson's World Cup squad.

His goals output has increased, from a paltry two in all competitions last season to a current tally of five.

Yet he needs to do more, especially now he has been given the central role he craves in the current absence of Robin van Persie and with Wayne Rooney sidelined at Stoke on Wednesday with a minor groin strain.

"Obviously it is not my decision about where I play," said Welbeck.

"As I have said plenty of times before, I am happy to play for Manchester United in any of the attacking positions.

"Unfortunately, Robin has got injured, so I might have a chance up front.

"In any case, I want some more goals, I can tell you that."

As Welbeck spent the 2010-11 campaign on loan at Sunderland, scoring six times in 28 appearances, including an excellent effort in a stunning win at Chelsea, United's reward for beating Stoke in Wednesday's Capital One Cup quarter-final has brought a smile to his face.

It will mean a reunion with old friend Wes Brown, who grew up in the same Longsight district where Welbeck spent his formative years.

And while United will be heavy favourites to advance in the two-legged tie, Welbeck knows it will not be so easy.

"I really enjoyed my time at Sunderland," he said.

"It is where I learned my trade, getting games in the Premier League and scoring goals as well.

"It is such a family club and it will be good to go back."

Before the trip to Wearside, United have four Premier League games and an FA Cup tie with Swansea to negotiate, with present momentum needing to be maintained after that below-par start.

"Obviously it has been frustrating because we know we could do better," said Welbeck.

"That is Manchester United, we want to go into every game and win.

"It is frustrating to play in the league and not get the right results."

Source: PA

Source: PA