Welbeck Can Be Key

David Moyes has reiterated his desire to see Danny Welbeck play a big part in Manchester United's challenge for silverware this season.

After starting the season with a bang – scoring twice at Swansea on the opening day of the league season – the young forward found the net just once in September, October, November and the first half of December.

Since then, however, Welbeck has scored four goals in five fixtures, including the winner in the Reds' last outing, away at Norwich City. Indeed, his recent performances have earned him a nomination for the December Player of the Month award.

"I think he's stepped up again and has a big season ahead," United manager David Moyes told the press at the Aon Training Complex before Tottenham's New Year's Day visit to Old Trafford.

"Danny's an important player and one of the boys to come through the Academy system. We're always delighted to keep promoting and pushing our own boys."

Although forwards are usually judged solely on goals, Welbeck's case isn't quite so clear-cut as he's often deployed in wide areas.

"He's a versatile player as well as a very good player," Moyes explained. "We can use Danny in several positions and, in some games, we've played all three [Welbeck, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie], not necessarily just two of them. He can play in the middle or on the left."

Welbeck's recent glut of goals has been good news for Manchester United and certainly won't have done him any harm in his quest for a place in England's World Cup 2014 squad.

Moyes, for one, won't be surprised to see him board the plane to Brazil come summer 2014.

"Danny's hoping to go to the World Cup with England and play a part and I think Roy Hodgson sees him as an important part of his team.

"We see him as an important part here too and if he keeps producing goals it will be great."