• Premier League

Moyes hopeful over Welbeck injury

Danny Welbeck should be passed fit to keep his place in the Manchester United attack at Hull on Boxing Day.

The striker, who has scored three goals in his last three games, limped off in Saturday's 3-1 win over West Ham. But manager David Moyes was relieved to discover that it was not a recurrence of the knee injury that sidelined Welbeck for five weeks in October and November.

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Moyes said: "I didn't know exactly what it was after the game. He had a problem with his knee a few weeks ago but this was just a kick right on the kneecap.

"It is only a contact injury, one he should be able to shake off. He has trained and we hope he is OK."

It is a welcome boost for United, who have been without one forward, Robin van Persie, for the past three games and while the Dutchman is closing in on a return, he is not likely to be available for the game at the KC Stadium.

Moyes has urged Welbeck, who only scored twice for United last season, to chip in with more goals and is pleased with his recent return.

He added: "Danny has got three goals in the last three games, so from his point of view it's a really good record and he has to try to keep that level up."

The United manager also allayed fears about the fitness of captain Nemanja Vidic, who has not featured since the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle and has sat out their last four games.

He said: "Vidic is fine. He had a calf injury and when he came back he had a bit of illness, a bad throat the other week, so we just have to look after him. But he's fine."

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