Welbeck is key to our strike-force, says Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has reassured Danny Welbeck he will be handed the chance to replicate his England form with Manchester United after admitting that the forward had been a victim of Robin van Persie's prolific start at Old Trafford.

Welbeck has started just eight games in all competitions for United so far this season and, with Ferguson insisting last week that Javier Hernandez would be rewarded for his hat-trick against Aston Villa with a starting spot against Norwich tonight, the 21 year-old could be forced to wait until Tuesday's Champions League tie against Galatasaray, when Ferguson is likely to rest senior players.

Having emerged as a central figure in Roy Hodgson's plans with England by scoring five goals in 10 games since his appointment as manager in May, Welbeck's club situation contrasts with his first-choice status on the international stage.

"It is difficult for me," Ferguson said. "I don't know how I can answer it other than to say, with Van Persie coming in and Wayne Rooney, you tend to rely on the experience of these players. But what we have to try and do is alternate selections so Danny feels he is making a contribution.

"At the moment, we have tended to play him wide left. He is capable of playing there and he can still provide a threat coming off the side of a game, but he is a natural centre-forward and he will get opportunities."

Ferguson says his strikers must look back to United's Treble-winning strike-force in 1999 to understand the need to take a long-term view of their contribution.