Mirco Antenucci has spoken of his personal “satisfaction” at reaching double figures for the season and says that he hopes to keep improving.

Antenucci, United’s top goalscorer so far this campaign, stepped off the bench to take his tally to 10 for the season with the equalising goal in Saturday’s 1-1 draw away to Blackpool.

The Italian latched onto a misplaced defensive header inside the area and calmly lofted the ball over goalkeeper Joe Lewis for his second goals in as many games.

Antenucci, who was also on target in the midweek 3-0 victory at Fulham said: "10 goals for me brings me great satisfaction because it’s my first year in England."

On the game at Bloomfield Road itself, the striker added: "It was a difficult match on a bad pitch."

The 30-year-old has found himself mainly utilised off the bench in recent months, with Neil Redfearn opting to use Steve Morison or Billy Sharp as the lone striker in United’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

But after netting as a second-half substitute in United’s last two outings, Antenucci is now pushing for another chance in the starting line-up.

Asked if he has been a frustrated spectator at times, Antenucci replied: "A little bit, because it’s our work.

"We want to play in every match. We are professional and it’s the reason for our work.

"But it’s the choice of the coach and I respect this.

"I think that the change to the 4-2-3-1 works better for us and the players we have in the team.

"I hope to keep improving after the end of the season."

Antenucci also hailed the United support, with the striker impressed by the club’s backing during his debut season in English football.

"The fans are incredible – at home we got 30,000 people," he said. "Away, it’s four or five thousand that attend."