Few people of a United persuasion would be surprised if Danny Welbeck started and scored in Saturday’s FA Cup clash with arch-rivals Liverpool.
Such a titanic tussle would normally call for a striker older than 21 – especially with the match being played away at Anfield – but the young Mancunian has proved his mettle this month by netting vital goals at both Manchester City and Arsenal. And now that his innate attacking prowess is allied to increasing physical strength, Welbeck is becoming a formidable weapon in Sir Alex Ferguson’s armoury.
“We were always aware of Danny Welbeck’s ability as a kid,” said Sir Alex on Friday. “It was just a matter of waiting for Danny to develop into a man and we’re seeing the signs now. He has a great physique but I think there’s still more to come. I don’t think he’s finished growing yet. Our stats show there’s still a bit to do before he becomes a complete adult in a physical sense.”
Sir Alex also commended Welbeck’s positive approach to the game and credited this to Danny’s development within the club.
“He has a good attitude but then he should – he’s a young player with an opportunity at Manchester United. That’s one of the reasons you pick these players, because they show their temperament as they come through the youth teams and the reserves. I’m always confident about their temperament, their attitude to the game and their enthusiasm to play.”
