19 - Danny Welbeck Profile

Born in Longsight, Manchester, England, to Ghanaian parents, Welbeck joined Manchester United during the 2005–06 season, making his debut for the club's Under-18 side on 8 April 2006 in a league match against Sunderland. He then came on as a substitute in the next game, before being named as an unused substitute in the team's last two games of the season. The following season, he made a further 28 appearances for the Under-18s, scoring nine goals, including eight appearances and one goal in the FA Youth Cup, in which he helped the team to reach the final, despite being two years younger than some of the other players.

Welbeck signed his first trainee contract in July 2007, and started the 2007–08 season in the Under-18 side, but was quickly promoted to the Reserve team, making a number of substitute appearances. Then, in January 2008, he was called up to the first team for the trip to Saudi Arabia to play Al-Hilal in Sami Al-Jaber's testimonial. Welbeck made his debut in that game on 21 January 2008, coming on as a 65th-minute substitute for Anderson. Welbeck had the chance to snatch a draw for United when he was brought down in the penalty area in the final minute, but he put the penalty kick over the bar.

On 25 January 2008, Alex Ferguson revealed that Welbeck would be considered a first team squad member for the rest of the 2007–08 season. On 9 February 2008, Alex Ferguson revealed that Welbeck would be involved in the matchday squad for the Manchester derby the following day. He also hinted that Welbeck may be involved from the start of the game. This did not come to pass however, as he was left out of the team entirely.

Welbeck made his competitive debut for the Manchester United first team on 23 September 2008, starting up front in the team's League Cup Third Round match at home to Middlesbrough. United won the game 3–1, but Welbeck did not manage to get on the scoresheet despite going close in the third minute. He played again in the Fourth Round against Queens Park Rangers on 11 November 2008, coming on as a 72nd-minute substitute for Rodrigo Possebon. A few minutes later, he was brought down in the penalty area by Peter Ramage; Carlos Tévez converted the resulting penalty kick and United won the match 1–0. Welbeck made his Premier League debut on 15 November 2008, coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute for Park Ji-Sung against Stoke City. He marked his debut with a curling 30-yard strike into the top right corner for United's fourth goal in a 5–0 win. Welbeck's next senior appearance for Manchester United came in an FA Cup Third Round tie against Southampton on 4 January 2009, when he opened the scoring in a 3–0 win. He followed that performance with a goal in the Fifth Round victory over Derby County.

• Welbeck set for Sunderland

  Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck is undergoing a medical at Sunderland

• United youngsters set for loan moves

  Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson intends to send striker Danny Welbeck and midfielder Tom Cleverley on loan to Barclays Premier League clubs in the coming season.

• Bruce targets Wellbeck

  Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is ready to test former manager Sir Alex Ferguson's resolve to hang on to young striker Danny Welbeck.

• Welbeck joins Preston on loan

  Preston have signed Manchester United youngster Danny Welbeck on loan for the rest of the season.

• Welbeck: United should stick with the kids

  Danny Welbeck has pleaded with Sir Alex Ferguson to stick with the kids for United's Carling Cup semi-final with City.

• Fergie wants youngsters' focus

  Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck can now focus on Manchester United following their recent international commitments.

• United's Likely Lads

  Danny Welbeck and Kiko Macheda had their 'Solskjaer moments' last season when one kick changed their lives.

• Wellbeck happy with United life

  Danny Welbeck is living the dream at Manchester United - and he cannot wait for the Carling Cup to come round again to continue the story.