Welbeck Inspired By Wilshere

Danny Welbeck says he left United as a boy but has returned from Sunderland a man as he takes on one of the toughest tasks in football.

The England forward is determined to emulate international colleague Jack Wilshere by using experience gained out on loan to gatecrash his parent club's first-team.

Even though competition for places in Sir Alex's attack is incredibly intense with Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen, Federico Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf all competing for places, the confident youngster is aiming to earn plenty of playing time this season.

Welbeck enjoyed an excellent campaign with Steve Bruce's Black Cats before injury curtailed his progress with the Stadium of Light boss admitting this week that the spell was so successful it scuppered any hopes he had of transforming the move into a permanent transfer.

"I am really happy to be back," he told PA Sport. "The time at Sunderland has benefitted me massively.

"It was a different part of my career. I went there as a boy and came back as a man. I am really happy with the way things went. I am always looking to improve.

"Jack Wilshere is a prime example of how things work. He went to Bolton and did really well, then he has gone back to Arsenal and kicked on.

"It is something quite a few of the young boys look at him and think, if he can do it, so can we.

"It would mean a lot to me to make it at United. It is the biggest club in the world. I am always going to strive to make it at United. I would be delighted to do that."

An eye-catching display against Chicago Fire is likely to see Welbeck feature again when the Reds tackle MLS All-Stars in midweek before completing the US tour with a match against Champions League final foes Barcelona.

"Everyone is looking forward to the next two games," he added. "They are going to be good.

"We are just trying to get as fit as possible."