Danny Welbeck’s future at Manchester United has come into question recently following some stunning performances while on loan at Sunderland. With attacking talent in abundance at Old Trafford, Welbeck was sent on loan this season to gain valuable first team experience at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has now made public his intentions to sign Welbeck on a permanent deal; a move the young striker has refused to rule out.
The England U-21 got off to an indifferent start on loan being used primarily on the wings, but has begun to flourish in recent weeks as striker. Welbeck scored the final goal in Sunderland’s 3-0 victory at Chelsea and then bagged a brace in the 2-2 draw against Everton. His performances have warranted attention and now Bruce is hoping to strike a deal for the promising striker.
Welbeck admits his future is unclear at the moment, refusing to rule out a permanent deal at the Stadium of Light. Should he continue performing at this level his value may rise consequently pricing Sunderland out of a deal.
That’s assuming that United would even be interested in selling. A wind of change may be taking place with United’s attacking talent. Michael Owen’s contract expires at the end of this season and there have been few indications that he will be offered an extension. Speculation has also developed surrounding Dimitar Berbatov’s future. Recent reports suggest he may be on the way to Juventus, but his agent has quickly put that rumour to bed. Assuming Owen leaves, Welbeck may very well take his place in the pecking order. However, Mame Biram Diouf should also be returning at the end of the season from his loan with Blackburn. Simply put, six strikers is too many.
With so much attacking talent on the books it’s difficult to determine which will remain and which will go. Welbeck’s starting to show us that he deserves a place in the squad. Of course, it’s impossible to make a definite conclusion after two matches, but the signs are promising. With the overcrowding of strikers at Old Trafford, there is the chance that Steve Bruce just may get his man. It certainly wouldn’t be the first promising youngster we’ve seen leave the club. However, should Welbeck continue this fine run of performances I think a return to Old Trafford beckons.
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