Danny Welbeck proving that he can score goals.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal outlined his reasons for selling Danny Welbeck to Arsenal in his pre-match press conference ahead of the weekend clash with QPR today, claiming that the academy graduate doesn’t score enough goals.
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With claims of being a poor finisher and not a regular enough goalscoring having followed Welbeck during his fledgling career for both United and England, a move to the Emirates Stadium may be the chance he needs to prove his doubters wrong – with a good start having been made with two goals in the midweek England win against Switzerland.
Here are five Welbeck goals that prove van Gaal may have been a little hasty in his judgement of the forward:
Stoke City (2008)
Making his debut as a precocious 17 year-old Mancunian, Welbeck had a dream game after coming on as a substitute for United against Stoke City in a Premier League thrashing at Old Trafford. Picking up the ball just inside the Potters’ half and playing a neat one-two with Manucho, the space opened up for Welbeck to smash home a devilish, dipping shot from 30 yards – potentially still his best goal.
Manchester City (2012)
United’s FA Cup derby with City in January 2012 was a crucial match for the club, with Sir Alex Ferguson and his troops looking to salvage some pride after being beaten 6-1 by their local rivals in a Premier League clash at Old Trafford earlier in the season. United raced into a half-time lead, with a superb turn and volley from Welbeck being the pick of the goals for the Red Devils.
Belgium (2012)
The dink has always been one of Welbeck’s preferred methods of finishing, as he showed on his weaker foot during England’s 2012 Wembley victory over Belgium – a friendly that was also Roy Hodgson’s first game in charge of the national team. Played in by Ashley Young, Welbeck calmly lifted the ball over the advancing Simon Mignolet.
Sweden (2012)
England had a topsy turvy group stage match against Sweden at Euro 2012, falling behind in the second half after taking the lead, before a wonderful Welbeck goal helped to turn the tide back in their favour. Theo Walcott broke to the by-line and clipped the ball back for Welbeck to guide into the far corner with a backheeled volley whilst on the turn.
Real Madrid (2013)
Welbeck’s goalscoring records against the other massive clubs has been criticised in some quarters, but his defining moment as a United player arguably came with a header in the Bernabeu against Real Madrid, one of the grandest stages of all. As a corner was whipped in, Welbeck got across his marker and glanced it into the far corner to help United on their way in the electric atmosphere of the Spanish capital.
Swansea City (2013)
The David Moyes era at Manchester United actually started with a bang – a convincing victory away at Swansea City on the opening day of the 2013/14 Premier League season. Welbeck contributed to the three points, particularly with another one of his trademark dinks, this time over Michel Vorm and into the far corner.