Manchester United boss David Moyes believes that Danny Welbeck could break the 20-goal barrier for the Premier League champions this season.

The 23-year-old netted just twice for United last season, but has already notched seven this campaign after featuring more heavily in his favoured central striking role.

"We have said to him we are trying to keep his finishing up. I think he can keep his efforts up, his levels up, even better," Moyes told reporters at a press conference.

"He got one [league] goal last year and now he is on seven for this season. It could be better but you have got to say it is going in the right direction. With the second half of the season to go, he should be certainly looking to score 20 goals.

"We need him to do that because, when you don't have Wayne and you don't have Robin, then you need people to step up to the mark. In quite a few of the games recently he has done that for us."

Welbeck is expected to start when United host Tottenham Hotspur on New Year's Day.