3 reasons why Danny Welbeck needs to start against Manchester City

2. Movement

Danny Welbeck stats

As well as pace, United have often struggled to break down opponents of late due to the lack of off-the-ball movement and runs, with their celebrated four piece compromised mostly of players who prefer to come narrow into the hole to play at being their side’s No. 10.

Unfortunately, due to the entire front line being sucked into the space between midfield and attack, this leaves Moyes short of players to actually finish chances or encourage killer balls forward for runners to get on the end of into the opponent’s box.

Gary Neville pointed out a similar problem with Arsenal this season, and the lack of movement around Mesut Ozil to get the best out of the German. The same is true at United where there has been a surplus of thinkers and not enough doers on the field whenever Mata and his other playmaking partners have lined up together.

Along with Antonio Valencia, Welbeck is one of the players best suited to working hard in the attacking third for his creative teammates, regularly surging forwards to test defenders’ reactions, or running the channels to offer options to those behind him.

City are far from unbeatable, but in order to exploit their frailties, United must seize the initiative rather than dally with the ball in midfield. By selecting Welbeck, Moyes will have a forward able to distract Pellegrini’s defence with his off-the-ball movement, and heave United’s attacking line into the face of Joe Hart, creating space for Rooney or Mata to work their magic in the hole.