Welbeck may need to leave United to fulfil potential

Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck has revealed his frustrations at being played out-of-position last season

Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck has recently revealed his frustration at being played out-of-position by former United boss David Moyes.

The 23-year-old made 25 Premier League appearances for Manchester United and scored nine goals for the Red Devils.

However, he was not selected regularly in his favoured position of striker and ten of those appearances for the Red Devils were from the United bench.

Welbeck was often asked to play on the wing, where he did a diligent job, but restricted his chances of registering more goals.

Welbeck is behind Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie in the pecking order when it comes to United’s strikers, so has often been used out-of-position.

Best Season

Welbeck actually matched his best ever goal scoring campaign last season, despite making far less appearances for United. Welbeck’s record of just one goal the previous was just not good enough, but there were signs last season that he is starting mature into a good striker.

Frustrated

Welbeck revealed his frustration at playing out of position by telling Sky Sports: “It does get frustrating. You want to be playing in a certain position and you’re not getting the opportunity to do that.

“It’s the same for everyone – when they are being played out of position they don’t really like it. I’d like to play central. I’ve been playing on the left for a while and it’s got to the time where I want to stake a place up front.

England

Welbeck is in England’s 23-man squad for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil and is far happier with his role with England.

He continued by saying: “My goal per game ratio is better for England. I’m much more free up front as there are three in midfield and three up front. That way there’s a bit more defensive cover rather than me being that defensive cover.

“For United I’m more likely to be left wing of a four-man midfield with only two centre-mids so it’s a bit more difficult for me to maybe make those runs to get in and score those goals when I’ve got to think about my defensive duties as well.

“Maybe I’m kind of let off the leash a bit more for England than United.”

Welbeck has scored eight goals in 21 appearances for the Three Lions and produced some very good performances for England, especially playing up front. Welbeck is unlikely to start the World Cup as first choice striker with Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge set to start the campaign up front.

Welbeck is 10/1 to finish the World Cup as England’s top scorer, which looks unlikely with him starting the competition on the Three Lions bench.

Linked

Despite Moyes exit and Dutch boss Louis van Gaal being appointed as the Scot’s predecessor, Welbeck is still being linked with a move away from Old Trafford. Tottenham and Everton have both been linked with a move for the striker this summer.

Both clubs are likely to offer Welbeck the chance to start Premier League games on a regular basis, with Everton in particular need of a striker this summer.

Similarities

I cannot help but see the similarities between Welbeck and Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge. Sturridge spent time at Chelsea, where he was either a substitute or played out-of-position on the wing.

It was not until he played regular football at Anfield that Sturridge started on a regular basis and became prolific in front of goal. Maybe Welbeck has not got the same natural finishing abilities as Sturridge, but he would definitely his game by starting on a regular basis in the top-flight.

Welbeck is slightly younger than Sturridge and still has time to become a very productive striker, just like his Three Lions teammate.

Benefit

Under Van Gaal, it is likely to be a similar story for Welbeck at Manchester United. Welbeck has good attributes and could improve immensely with the right manager and regular first team football. At times he has seemed to lack confidence in front of goal and needs somebody to put faith in him.

If somebody shows him that faith I do believe that Welbeck can become a very good striker for club and country. Unfortunately it seems he will never improve beyond his current level playing at Old Trafford.

This summer could prove a deciding one in the career of Danny Welbeck. If he makes the massive decision to leave United, then it could very well prove the best thing he could do to fulfil his potential.

Would Danny Welbeck benefit from regular starts away from United?