Welbeck's Starring Role

Sir Alex Ferguson isn't surprised in the slightest by Danny Welbeck's emergence as a leading figure in Manchester United's title challenge.

The young striker, whose form has prompted the manager to start him in eight of the Reds' last 10 fixtures, has already netted nine times this season and was selected to lead the line at Liverpool in Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie.

Although Welbeck didn't find the net at Anfield, his haul this season includes strikes against Manchester City, Arsenal (two in two games) and Tottenham, as well as a brace in the Champions League.

Few predicted he'd make such an impact on the Reds' first team this season. After all, he only made his senior debut a little more than three years ago and, having spent last term on loan at Sunderland under Steve Bruce's tutelage, he began the current campaign with just 15 United starts to his name.

Sir Alex maintains he always had high hopes for Welbeck, though, and believes the striker's form during 2011/12 has made him a certainty to represent England at the European Championships this summer.

“We did the right thing sending Danny to Sunderland last year,” the manager said. “He did very well there and we expected him to do well this year.

"I think he will be [in the England squad for Euro2012]. He's developing into a very strong athlete. He's very athletic and when he gets moving he's really quick.

“He was always a decent goalscorer but when he plays regularly for us he has been getting a goal a game. There is a goal there from him and that's important.”

Danny's development hasn't always been smooth, though. Like many teenagers, he suffered growing pains as he made the transition from boy to man, a journey the United boss feels still hasn't reached its conclusion.

“We were always aware of Danny Welbeck's ability as a kid,” Sir Alex said. “The issue with him now is addressing his physical being.

“When he was 16 he had problems with his knees because he was growing – he had a bit of Osgood-Schlatter syndrome, although it was nothing serious.

"Then he had some thigh problems. It was just a matter of waiting for Danny to develop into a man. We're seeing the signs now.

"He has a great physique about him but I think there's still more to come. Our stats show there's still a bit to do before he becomes a complete adult in the physical sense.”

Super season so far
Danny Welbeck in 2011/12
Appearances: 17 (6)
Goals: 9

Goals against:

22 Aug - Tottenham
28 Aug - Arsenal
27 Sep - Basel (x2)
1 Oct - Norwich
21 Dec - Fulham
8 Jan - Manchester City
14 Jan - Bolton
22 Jan - Arsenal