“Obviously he will have to improve his goalscoring”

Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged striker Danny Welbeck to become a ‘top player’ and improve on the 12 goals he scored last season.

Welbeck broke into the United team last season and enjoyed varying success. He would grab important goals against the likes of Arsenal and Man City in the FA Cup but would also experience barren spells in front of goal.

His exploits saw him included in England’s squad for the European Championships this summer and he hit the headlines with a spectacular goal against Sweden.

But the hardwork has just begun and Sir Alex Ferguson wants him to build upon his showing as a starter at Old Trafford:

“Danny can be a top player but obviously he will have to improve his goalscoring.

“He got nine goals last season but if you are going to be a top striker you have to get 20 or above.

“I think he will do that.”

At 21, there is a lot of time for Welbeck to hit the heights Sir Alex feels he can. And another thing he has on his side is that, according to Sir Alex, he still has some growing to do:

“He’s not got his full body yet, there’s a lot of growth in him yet.

“At 6ft 3in, I don’t think he’ll get taller, it will go the other way, and he is very powerful already.

“He’s got good movement and courage, plus confidence on the ball.

“And he showed maturity at the Euros by playing three games in seven days, which he has certainly not done for us before.”