Danny Welbeck could begin a never-ending argument between differing sets of Manchester United fans. I’ve heard the following complaints that many times from different United fans, they’re becoming as whiny as Arsenal supporters.
“He’s not United quality”, “Welbeck doesn’t score enough goals”, and “He only plays because he’s a Manc”.
I have pity on those who don’t see the quality of Danny Welbeck, and deep sorrow for those who can’t to love this Mancunian, who just gets what it means to be a Manchester United player.
When these persistent naggers continue to question and make negative comments on my boy Welbz, I question whether they have actually seen him play?
Statistics have ruined the beautiful game, nowadays supporters far and wide back-up their arguments against a player purely on their match day statistics.
Yes, forwards were put on this Earth to score goals, and many heroes tend to be goal-scoring machines – Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney are names which spring to mind. But in the case of Danny Welbeck, his game and contribution go far beyond scoring goals.
He is in the defensive forward prototype and he works his absolute bollocks off, on all parts of the field. When United are down to their first line of defence, Welbeck is there, clamping down on the opposition, forcing errors and denying them space or time to make an impact. His contribution in that aspect is far greater than some of United’s defenders this season.
Yes his goal-to-game ratio isn’t where it should, but at times that’s largely down to the fact he has been played out wide, and out of position. But when he is reverted to that wide position, he is always tracking back and putting in a solid shift defensively to prevent fullbacks and wide men of the opposition from doubling-up and countering-up on United’s defenders.
Over this season, whenever Moyes has included Welbeck in United’s starting XI, we have looked a better side. When he was substituted on for Robin van Persie against West Bromwich Albion, he injected some much-needed pace and selflessness off the ball to stretch the defence, and a little bit of unpredictability.
Welbeck’s value to Manchester United will always go far beyond his goal scoring contribution. His work rate, defensive abilities, his chasing down defenders and soaring ability to press from the front makes him a unique and gifted prospect.
One of my favourite performances of Danny has to be against Real Madrid. That goal, is was something special and the celebration afterwards almost gave me a myocardial infarction. Welbeck showed such an elite level of intelligence in that match, and Madrid couldn’t keep up with his electric pace and stamina. He had the great Xabi Alonso in his back pocket at the Bernabeau – not many can say they’ve achieved that.
Finally, if anyone caught Welbeck’s reaction after Wayne Rooney scored that breathtaking half-field volley against West Ham on Sunday Morning, your heart would’ve been filled with pure warmth. This guy genuinely loves this club, and completely understands what it means to play for this club.
It’s refreshing to see a footballer in these modern times so completely in love with the club they play for.
Max Shochet
Roar Rookie
I have never understood the massive contingent against Welbeck. I've admired him since the beginning but his coming of age season in 2011/12 firmed in my mind that he was a player United had to invest time in. This article sums up very well the qualities that I admire in Danny. The people that say he isn't clinical enough need only look to Sturridge. The same argument was being made about him two years ago and now he is a machine. Welbeck can only improve in his ability to be clinical. He has shown countless times that he has the skills to be a top striker, and playing wide right hasn't helped his stats. His qualities of pace, vision, and a feel for the game are something that it is difficult to build in a player that doesn't have them, learning to hold your nerve and finish every chance that comes to you is something you can learn through experience. Welbeck will get to a point where he is a feared player. Just give him the time his quality has shown he deserves.
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
All you have done by trying to elevate him by saying he is leading England's attack is highlight how weak England are to me, if anything, is the next Emile Heskey- a good honest player respected for his work rate, but never feared for his threat
fadida
Guest
England are an average side, devoid of attacking options. Welbz as you call him is by your own admission a defensive forward whose greatest quality is hard work. I can appreciate a hard worker but your attempt to favour him over RVP absurd. Van Persie semi interested is far more effective than a top form "Welbz". "Welbz" 170 games 37 goals RVP 56 games 37 goals United, 195, 96 goals Arsenal. 1 of these 2 wins championships. 1 of the 2 runs around a lot
fadida
Guest
Called sarcasm
Zee
Roar Guru
Haha mate Welbz has more quality and perserverance than alot of the PL's top guns, bar likes of Suarez & Sturridge, Arsenal could really make do with quality like that. Considering Welbeck is the man likely to be leading England in the summer, he can't be all that bad.
Zee
Roar Guru
Said No One EVER
Zee
Roar Guru
Look It says alot when a few would rather Welbz in the starting line up, than an in-effective RvP. Welbz & Rooney really gel. Agree with your points, Moyes wouldn't know a decent football tactic if it smacked him head on, he just doesn't know what to do with quality. He is punching overs
Zee
Roar Guru
Not denying his goal ratio is sparkling, but majority of his time at United has been played on the wing, he does score a fair few for England though
Zee
Roar Guru
I love a footballer who actually gives a you know what, as long as he walks off the field knowing he put his all, thats all I need.
fadida
Guest
Really? Good job or they'd be in the relegation dogfight! :D
Steven McBain
Roar Guru
One genuinely weird statistic. United have the BEST away record in the Premiership this season. I was staggered.
fadida
Guest
Shall do Steve. It's a subject of some passion for me so I apologise in advance for the likely intensity of my responses!
Steven McBain
Roar Guru
I'm just submitted a piece for publication (should come out overnight) on that very subject, let me know what you think when it gets printed........
fadida
Guest
Agree Steve re the standard of signings. Mata is quality but not Moyes type of player. Moyes is copping it simply because this same side, minus his 64mill pounds of acquisitions, were absolute runaway champions last season. Now they are midtable. If Ferguson (who must cop criticism for allowing the team to stagnate) was still manager they'd be top 4. Moyes has never beaten a top 4 side in over 100 attempts, going back 13 years now! This season Miyes had only led his side to 2 wins against top half sides. I'm sure you'll agree a woeful record. I don't expect them to win this season but he is a)underachieving both with results and horribly ugly football b) isn't showing, and had never shown in his career the ability to be a man to win a trophy. He, like Welbeck is simply not good enough for a club of this stature.
Steven McBain
Roar Guru
Fadida, I would agree with you that standards have fallen sharply. Moyes is wearing the blame right now but the rot set in a while back. With the exception of RVP, I can't recall a player since probably Nemanda Vidic (I'm sure I'll have missed one!) who has been brought in and improved the team versus the player he replaced.
fadida
Guest
In a nutshell Tim
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
Who? Lol....i shouldn't take the mick, for i am a long suffering Villa fan, but Manure fans reduced to such a level that they are talking up a player like Wellbeck, who if you are generous, is a good average player, that would not get in any of the big Club in England, or Europe ' How the mighty have fallen..........'
fadida
Guest
No, apparently Moyes is doing a great job, and no other manager could do any better with a championship winning side......
bill boomer
Guest
I thought this was the thread for todays round of moyes baiting.
fadida
Guest
Agree re the Ronaldo comparison. However the headline says "Welbeck is Man U". This highlights the depreciation in the quality at United. He wouldn't have broken into the first team 10-15 years ago - Cole, Yorke, Sheringham, Ole, RVP, RVN, Rooney he ain't