Power play: Manchester United star Danny Welbeck ready to beat the backline bullies

Danny Welbeck

Danny Welbeck insists he is finally man enough to lead Manchester Uniteds Premier League and Champions League assault.

The England striker has been in the form of his life since returning to Old Trafford after a season-long loan at Sunderland.

The lanky lad from Longsight who sometimes had the look of Bambi on ice before his move to Wearside, has grown into an impressive athlete during his time away.

And with five goals in eight games this season, he is one of the hottest strikers in the country, pushing his way past Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen at United and forcing his way into Fabio Capellos England squad.

Success

The 20-year-olds emergence this term may have caught Premier League defences by surprise but Welbeck says there is no secret to his success.

I think its just that Ive literally grown into a man now, he said. Ive turned into a man and filled out naturally.

Ive been doing a bit of gym work, but its more based around my legs, not so much my upper body. Its all coming together. My physique is getting a lot better than before I went away.

It has certainly paid dividends for United this season with Welbeck scoring against Tottenham and Arsenal before straining his hamstring and returning with a Champions League double against Basle last week and another in the 2-0 win against Norwich.

He says his developing physique has been key in ensuring he is no longer bullied by defenders.

Some of the centre-backs are 90kg, Im only 70-something kilos so I need to be strong, said Welbeck. I dont have to be massive, but I need to be able to handle myself and I feel Im doing that.

Star

Welbeck has gone from loan star to! competi ng with Javier Hernandez as first-choice partner for Wayne Rooney.

It has Berbatov and Owen pushed down the pecking order at United with Welbeck living up to Fergusons prediction that he would be a future England star.

He believes he owes much to that spell at Sunderland and says he was determined to seize his opportunity as soon as he returned to Old Trafford.

It was the next step in my career to go out there and get games in the Premier League week in, week out, he told Inside United. It was beneficial to me and like a stepping stone in my career to let me come back to Untied a bigger and better person.

When the chance came along, I wasnt going to sit back. Pre-season went really well, everyone got a few games under their belt and I just went out there against Barcelona and played my normal game.

I didnt really think this is my chance, I just played my normal game and thankfully the manager stuck with me for the first couple of matches of the season.

There is no better feeling than scoring in front of the Stretford End. I aim to emulate that feeling so many more times.

Now Welbeck wants to be part of a new generation of success at United as Sir Alex Ferguson tries to create his last great team.

Its really important at United that youve been brought up with that winning mentality, he said. Its bred into you to win everything you take part in.

Thats Manchester United for you a never-say-die attitude as you see time and time again. Were going into different games, but theres always one aim win the game.

We dont go into a game to try to win one point, thinking thats okay. Being at United you always get quite disappointed if you dont get all three points as you believe you can go into every single game and win it.

Is Danny Welbeck better than Javier Hernandez? Have your say.

Tweet