Local lad Danny Welbeck has had his fair share of chances this season and despite a couple of good performances and a few goals, I can’t help but wonder whether he’s truly ready to play such a big role at a big club like Manchester United. Isn’t he a pretty big step down from Javier Hernandez – who is already a step down in class from Wayne Rooney?
It’s a real shame that Hernandez has found himself on the sidelines with injuries so often this season and Welbeck has been an adequate-to-good replacement, but we need to face facts. Hernandez has better movement than Welbeck, better finishing technique than Welbeck and more ability on the ball than Welbeck. They are probably equals in the air, but in every other area of the game I’d argue that Hernandez comes up trumps.
I don’t mean to paint Welbeck as some kind of glorified back-up player. The Manchester born youngster clearly has an eye for goal and has bags of potential – but is he ready to be leading a United title charge? I’m not so sure. Another difficult to answer question: where would United be had Hernandez remained fit all season?
There have been a few occasions this season where Hernandez has started on the bench and Welbeck has made the starting XI. Whilst on some occasions this was due to Javier returning from injury, I don’t think Sir Alex Ferguson has been getting the most out of his Mexican International. Nobody in the Premier League can match the poacher’s instinct that Hernandez displayed last season.
It’s clear that Fergie rates Welbeck and knows a thing or two about young talent but is it possible he has got his priorities wrong this time? At 21-years-old I feel that Welbeck should be making regular substitute appearances for United with a view to obtaining a starting berth over the next couple of seasons.
I just don’t want to see Hernandez relegated to a super-sub role, whilst Welbeck thrives. Danny’s a young lad and will have plenty more chances over the coming season. Hernandez, on the other hand proved his worth last season and deserves a place in the starting line-up.
What’s your take? Who’d you pick in your United starting line-up – Welbeck or Hernandez?
I guess the reason gets the nod is the fact that he provides better options outside the box.....hernandez is very good inside the box..but outside he is poor...
ReplyDeleteYou seem to hate Welbeck for some reason....you are being biased!
ReplyDeleteI beg to differ...I think otherwise