Striker dilemma for Sir Alex Ferguson as injured Rooney and Van Persie sit on sidelines
Javier Hernandez (left) and Danny Welbeck are eager to stake their United claims while Wayne Rooney is out injured As United players trooped home from their World Cup qualifiers there would be a spring in the step of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez unlike Robin van Persie, who limped back from Budapest nursing a thigh injury.
The Mancunian striker and his Mexican Old Trafford colleague have had their noses pushed out somewhat by the summer signing and enormous impact of ex-Arsenal striker van Persie.
Welbeck made way for the 24m newcomer at Everton on the opening night after being exiled on the left-wing with Wayne Rooney operating up front.
Since then, van Persie opened his Reds account spectacularly with a stunning strike at Old Trafford against Fulham, which he followed with a match-winning hat-trick at Southampton, where, once again, Welbeck was working the flank.
But at least the 21-year-old has had a look in. Hernandez has had to make do with just a brief late outing as a sub against the Saints.
The 24-year-old Mexican got his scoring stats up and running for his country on Tuesday night with a winner against Costa Rica in Mexicos World Cup qualifier.
While Chicharito was sharpening his game up in the Azteca Stadium, Welbeck was an influential face-saver for England at Wembley against Ukraine.
It served as a reminder to Fergie that the Longsight-born forward is somewhat wasted as a wide man.
As Roy Hodgson stared defeat in the face, leaving the Three Lions with a potential mountain to climb in Group H, he turned to Welbeck to liven things up.
And the Reds striker responded to the freer role and caused havoc to the Ukrainians. He could have scored himself with a toe-poked effort that struck the post, but made!
Englands opponents so edgy at the back that eventually he won a penalty as harassed Yevgen Khacheridi handled to halt Welbecks progress in the box.
I was observing the game closely from the bench and I wanted to make an impact. But I wouldnt have made a difference if the other players hadnt worked hard before I came on, said Welbeck.
I know Im up against some great competition. Roy Hodgson has a wide variety of strikers to choose from. Jermain Defoe was selected ahead of me and hes a sharp shooter. Im just biding my time and looking to make an impact when I do get on the pitch.
His bright impact was good news for Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson especially as he will have learnt soon after that RVP had been taken off early in Hungary.
The Dutchmans injury record at the Emirates was the only misgiving anyone had when United launched their successful summer swoop.
Welbeck and Chicharito have both publicly welcomed the challenge laid down by RVPs arrival but, privately, might have suspected before Rooneys KO that it would hinder their own senior progress.
But Welbecks half-hour efforts at Wembley will have boosted his confidence and Fergie will be delighted with his response to what has been a difficult start to his second season as a first-teamer.
Welbeck will be hoping that by the time of Englands next World Cup qualifying double header against San Marino and Poland next month hes added a few more United credits to his account as he faces up to the battle of partnering RVP.
And thats going to be some challenge.
Former United player and a Dutch compatriot of van Persies, Jordi Cruyff, believes the Reds 24m import can become a back-to-back Premier League Golden Boot winner.
He picked up the gilded footwear for his 30 league goals for the Gunners last term and Cruyff believes hes at the right place to do it again.
I think Uniteds tradition and football style suits Robin down to the ground, Jor! di told MEN Sport.
Hell be happy with those elements. I think he is the ideal person at the ideal place.
It is a big move for him going to Old Trafford from a rival like Arsenal. But he wanted a new challenge and they dont come much bigger.
It was a brave thing to do because he was an icon at Arsenal. But it is a massive signing for United.
I never thought it would faze him and looking at the start hes made, it certainly hasnt. He is such an excellent striker. I think winning the Golden Boot last season was a great achievement in a side that didnt have a great time. So he can definitely do it again this season. He is going to be a great servant for United.
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It all carries echoes of Cruyffs big mate Eric Cantona.
Eric is the King. Simple as that. Nothing else to be said, added Jordi.
I wouldnt even try and make the comparison. Robin is an incredible player but Eric had an aura about him. It was an aura of superiority. He was a giant. Nobody can compare for me. However, there is no doubt van Persie will be great for United.
Meanwhile, Robbie Brady will seek another loan move away from United to ensure his international career continues to blossom.
Brady enjoyed a memorable debut for the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, scoring one goal and setting up two more in a 4-1 frie! ndly win over Oman at Craven Cottage.
The 20-year-olds cross set up Shane Long for the opener and he then lashed in their second before supplying a world-class cross that Kevin Doyle headed in.
Brady last year had a successful loan spell at Hull but he has yet to make his first-team debut for Sir Alex Fergusons side despite going on the clubs pre-season tour of South Africa.
I want to stay playing [for Ireland]. I dont want to come in and doss about so I need to be playing as many club games as I can, Brady said.
If that means I need to take a loan move, I will. Well see.
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The Mancunian striker and his Mexican Old Trafford colleague have had their noses pushed out somewhat by the summer signing and enormous impact of ex-Arsenal striker van Persie.
Welbeck made way for the 24m newcomer at Everton on the opening night after being exiled on the left-wing with Wayne Rooney operating up front.
Since then, van Persie opened his Reds account spectacularly with a stunning strike at Old Trafford against Fulham, which he followed with a match-winning hat-trick at Southampton, where, once again, Welbeck was working the flank.
But at least the 21-year-old has had a look in. Hernandez has had to make do with just a brief late outing as a sub against the Saints.
The 24-year-old Mexican got his scoring stats up and running for his country on Tuesday night with a winner against Costa Rica in Mexicos World Cup qualifier.
While Chicharito was sharpening his game up in the Azteca Stadium, Welbeck was an influential face-saver for England at Wembley against Ukraine.
It served as a reminder to Fergie that the Longsight-born forward is somewhat wasted as a wide man.
As Roy Hodgson stared defeat in the face, leaving the Three Lions with a potential mountain to climb in Group H, he turned to Welbeck to liven things up.
And the Reds striker responded to the freer role and caused havoc to the Ukrainians. He could have scored himself with a toe-poked effort that struck the post, but made!
Englands opponents so edgy at the back that eventually he won a penalty as harassed Yevgen Khacheridi handled to halt Welbecks progress in the box.
I was observing the game closely from the bench and I wanted to make an impact. But I wouldnt have made a difference if the other players hadnt worked hard before I came on, said Welbeck.
I know Im up against some great competition. Roy Hodgson has a wide variety of strikers to choose from. Jermain Defoe was selected ahead of me and hes a sharp shooter. Im just biding my time and looking to make an impact when I do get on the pitch.
His bright impact was good news for Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson especially as he will have learnt soon after that RVP had been taken off early in Hungary.
The Dutchmans injury record at the Emirates was the only misgiving anyone had when United launched their successful summer swoop.
Welbeck and Chicharito have both publicly welcomed the challenge laid down by RVPs arrival but, privately, might have suspected before Rooneys KO that it would hinder their own senior progress.
But Welbecks half-hour efforts at Wembley will have boosted his confidence and Fergie will be delighted with his response to what has been a difficult start to his second season as a first-teamer.
Welbeck will be hoping that by the time of Englands next World Cup qualifying double header against San Marino and Poland next month hes added a few more United credits to his account as he faces up to the battle of partnering RVP.
And thats going to be some challenge.
Former United player and a Dutch compatriot of van Persies, Jordi Cruyff, believes the Reds 24m import can become a back-to-back Premier League Golden Boot winner.
He picked up the gilded footwear for his 30 league goals for the Gunners last term and Cruyff believes hes at the right place to do it again.
I think Uniteds tradition and football style suits Robin down to the ground, Jor! di told MEN Sport.
Hell be happy with those elements. I think he is the ideal person at the ideal place.
It is a big move for him going to Old Trafford from a rival like Arsenal. But he wanted a new challenge and they dont come much bigger.
It was a brave thing to do because he was an icon at Arsenal. But it is a massive signing for United.
I never thought it would faze him and looking at the start hes made, it certainly hasnt. He is such an excellent striker. I think winning the Golden Boot last season was a great achievement in a side that didnt have a great time. So he can definitely do it again this season. He is going to be a great servant for United.
Ex-Manchester United defender Albiston insists French ace is still the right man for title challenge
David Sadler: Manchester Uniteds magic triangle looks out of shape
It all carries echoes of Cruyffs big mate Eric Cantona.
Eric is the King. Simple as that. Nothing else to be said, added Jordi.
I wouldnt even try and make the comparison. Robin is an incredible player but Eric had an aura about him. It was an aura of superiority. He was a giant. Nobody can compare for me. However, there is no doubt van Persie will be great for United.
Meanwhile, Robbie Brady will seek another loan move away from United to ensure his international career continues to blossom.
Brady enjoyed a memorable debut for the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, scoring one goal and setting up two more in a 4-1 frie! ndly win over Oman at Craven Cottage.
The 20-year-olds cross set up Shane Long for the opener and he then lashed in their second before supplying a world-class cross that Kevin Doyle headed in.
Brady last year had a successful loan spell at Hull but he has yet to make his first-team debut for Sir Alex Fergusons side despite going on the clubs pre-season tour of South Africa.
I want to stay playing [for Ireland]. I dont want to come in and doss about so I need to be playing as many club games as I can, Brady said.
If that means I need to take a loan move, I will. Well see.
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