Welbeck scores

By Chris,
January 6 2009

Manchester United assistant boss Mike Phelan has heaped praise on Danny Welbeck after the young striker found the target in the F.A Cup win at Southampton. Welbeck netted United’s opening goal in a 3-0 win on the south coast. The Salford-born frontman now has two United goals to his name, having made four appearances for the club.

Phelan is confident that Welbeck can become a big hit at United. He took advantage of a rare start as the St. Mary's Stadium with a goal as he slotted home from close-range after a John O'Shea header had been turned onto the woodwork.

He said: "Danny Welbeck is a player who has the potential. We have seen it over the years at United.

"He has grown up as a young Manchester United player and though his opportunities will be few and far between, when they are there he has to take them. The boy is more than capable of being a Manchester United player."

Phelan went onto discuss the fact that Welbeck is a local boy and the importance this carries with the supporters. Born in Longsight in Manchester, the towering striker played for United's under-18 side before winning his first trainee contract in July 2007.

"You saw against Southampton how important it is to the supporters to see a young local lad come through.

"They gave him a great ovation. Danny understands the importance of what he carries on his shoulders in that respect.

"It is difficult to be a local boy who plays for Manchester United and break through and play alongside the likes of Berbatov, Rooney and Tevez - but given the opportunity he won't let anyone down."