Take a bow Danny Welbeck, you deserve all the credit you receive after a sensational performance in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium against the famous Real Madrid, the real Danny Welbeck stood up, this was a statement to all those supporters who have questioned his performances and lack of goals.

It was the biggest game of Manchester born Welbeck’s career, his selection baffled a few people prior to kick off, but it was plain to see early on that he was selected to do a job, and didn’t the boy do well? 

His endless running had the Real Madrid back line on their toes; they didn’t get a moment’s peace as Welbeck chased down everything and constantly asked questions of the Spanish champions, a friend of mine who I watched the match with referred to him as a ‘nuisance’!

I’m sure that would have been the verdict on the Longsight lad from the Madrid defenders too!

Welbeck has come in for some unfair criticism recently from supporters and the media due to his goal scoring record, what do you expect from a player who is being played out of position on a regular basis? He’s covered the left and right side of the midfield and he’s a striker. Welbeck is adapting and changing his style of play because he simply wants to play for the team he grew up supporting, his willingness to adapt makes him a fantastic asset to the squad.

Supporters can be so fickle, Welbeck comes in for some harsh criticism on social media and Manchester United forums, last night proved that he is capable of a big performance at the highest level. His team mate Javier Hernandez knows how to find the net, but Welbeck’s all round game is far more superior to the Mexican’s, speed, hold up and link up play, pace, and he’s not bad in the air either!

In a world where supporters and managers are obsessed with bringing in over seas players to our Premier League, how refreshing is it that a product of the Manchester United youth academy should grab the majority of the headlines following the 1-1 with Real Madrid? A player that is United through and through and would probably run through a brick wall if Sir Alex Ferguson asked him too!

The Santiago Bernabeu experience is part of Welbeck’s development as a player, the confidence he will take from that performance will give him more belief in himself. 

What a time to start showing your quality too, at a time when United are chasing three trophies like they famously achieved in 1999, with a strike=force that has been compared to the current crop of attacking options.

By Kevin Ashford @KevinAshford7