• Premier League

Welbeck frustrated on United fringe

ESPN staff
May 26, 2014
Danny Welbeck scored 10 goals in 36 appearances for Manchester United last season © Getty Images
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Danny Welbeck says he is frustrated by his failure to establish himself as a central player in the Manchester United attack.

The forward was unhappy with the way former manager David Moyes saw him and admits he is happier with England at the moment.

"It does get frustrating,' Welbeck said. "You want to be playing in a certain position and you're not getting the opportunity to do that. Maybe I'm kind of let off the leash a bit more for England."

Welbeck started as a substitute in 10 of his 25 games for United last season and scored a moderate 10 goals from 36 appearances in all competition.

The striker has scored eight in 21 games for England and is keen for a more central role under new United manager Louis van Gaal.

He said: "For United I'm more likely to be left wing of a four-man midfield with only two centre-midfielders so it's a bit more difficult for me to make runs to score when I've got to think about my defensive duties as well.

"I wouldn't say I play better for England but my goals-per-game ratio is definitely better.

"I'm much freer up front for England - with three in midfield there's a bit more defensive cover rather than me being that defensive cover."

Welbeck has been reported to be considering a move from United and conceded that his relationship with Moyes was not ideal after the manager criticised his attitude.

The Scot claimed Welbeck needed a greater commitment to training and that was why he was not scoring more goals.

"I was pretty surprised to be honest," Welbeck said. 'He (Moyes) did come out with that statement but before then I was doing extra training and maybe he just didn't see it."

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