At Manchester United, we have a rich history of producing quality young players; Bobby Charlton, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Gerard Piqué to name but a few. The latest in that long line of talents could well be Danny Welbeck.
Name: Daniel Nii Tackie Mensah Welbeck
Age: 22
Height: 1.85m (6’1″)
Position: Striker/Left Wing
Man Utd apps/goals: 66(13)
England apps/goals: 18(8)
Danny has always been a very talented player despite the obvious flaws in his game. He struggled in his early years when another apparent teen prodigy stole his limelight. However, Federico Macheda hasn’t turned out the same way as our Danny. When Macheda was scoring last minute winners and earning a great reputation as a potential quality forward, Danny was going out on loan to then Championship side Preston and then fellow Premiership side Sunderland. It was at Sunderland however, that Danny managed to forge his own reputation. After his spell on Wearside, Danny returned to Old Trafford and took the first team by storm.
During the 2012/2013 season, Welbeck finally established himself as a regular in our side. Playing mainly on the left wing as opposed to his preferred central role, he impressed with many great displays both domestically as well as on the European stage. It was in Europe that Welbeck had what was probably the greatest night of his career so far. Against Real Madrid in the second round Welbeck took the Bernabeu by storm with an incredible display against the Galacticos, scoring our only goal in a 1-1 draw. The performance was described by many as being reminiscent of Thierry Henry at Arsenal, making charging, pacy, direct runs that left the Madrid defence in tatters. The goal he scored was unfortunately a rare occasion. Danny gained many critics for his apparent inability to regularly score goals, especially in the league. Only one goal in over 25 appearances just wasn’t good enough unfortunately.
This season however, has brought him different fortunes. In the first game against Swansea, Danny scored two goals in a 4-1 victory, the second of which was an absolute peach as he lifted the ball delicately over Swansea keeper Michel Vorm. This season promises great things for young Danny if he continues as he has started.
It is for England however, that he has experienced the most success. Although still not prolific, a total of 8 goals in 18 games is a far better return than he has managed for United, especially given that he is often played out of position again. Two goals against Moldova on Friday night again show encouraging signs in terms of his progress.
All in all, a lot of England’s hopes for the future rest on his shoulders, along with those of Daniel Sturridge, Jack Wilshere and our own Phil Jones. Hopefully Welbeck continues to progress at his current rate; because if he does, we might have some player on our hands.
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