Welbeck eager to improve goal tally

The England forward has admitted he is unhappy with his goalscoring record for the Red Devils, though believes his form has been hampered by playing on the wing

Danny Welbeck has revealed his disappointment with the number of goals he contributed to Manchester United's title-winning campaign last season.

The forward struck just twice for the Red Devils in 40 appearances, significantly less than the 12 he notched in the 2011-12 season.

The arrival and excellent form of Robin Van Persie has meant Welbeck has rarely featured in his favoured central role, and he believes it has affected his goalscoring record.

"This season has been the most number of matches I have played and my performances have been a lot more consistent but the goals return has not been good at all," the 22-year-old told MUTV.

"I do feel if I can get a better goals return I will be flying. I want to be up front and scoring goals. If I am playing on the wings I still want to score more goals but preferably I will be up front and scoring goals there."

Welbeck has only started up front twice in the league this season, predominantly playing on the flank for Sir Alex Ferguson - most notably when he was selected ahead of Wayne Rooney during the crucial Champions League second-leg clash with Real Madrid.

But despite misfiring in front of goal, the young forward has been called up to the England squad by Roy Hodgson for the upcoming friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.