Robson Wants Ruthless Welbeck

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has urged Danny Welbeck to improve his strike-rate if he is to become a top striker.

The England international scored in the first leg of United's 1-1 Champions League last-16 game with Real Madrid and earned a starting berth for the return match ahead of Wayne Rooney.

The omission of Rooney by Sir Alex Ferguson was a major talking point but despite some impressive performances from Welbeck, Robson wants him to be more ruthless in front of goal.

Welbeck's goal in the Bernabeu was one of only two for the 22-year-old this season, with defenders Rafael, Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra all ahead of him in the goalscoring stakes.

"A few of the younger lads have progressed really well this season but it was a measure of how well Danny has come on that the boss put him in the team ahead of Wayne Rooney last week," said Robson.

"That was such a big decision but Danny has all the attributes you need, apart from being a natural finisher.

"The good thing about it is that is an area you can work on and improve. And I know Danny will do that because he is a keen lad with such a great mentality towards the game."

Robson also defended Ferguson's decision to drop Rooney to the bench and rejected suggestions there is a rift in the camp.

"It was a tactical decision, that is all. At big clubs they happen all the time and players have to abide by them," added Robson.

"I realise the suggestion afterwards is that the boss has run out of patience with Wayne but I don't think that is the case at all.

"Purely and simply, he was trying to find the best way of getting into the next round and, but for one decision by the referee, I am sure it would have worked."