Danny Welbeck is winning over the Old Trafford critics in style

Danny Welbeck splits Manchester United supporters like very few players in recent history. There are those that complain about his tendency to fall over just as he reaches the byline, his profligacy in front of goal and the fact that he is often preferred to the more prolific Javier Hernandez.

Then there is another faction of supporters who praise his tremendous work-rate and revel in the fact that a home-grown lad turns out for United and scores at the Bernabeu in the modern day and age with so few opportunities for players brought through the youth system. These fans adore Danny for his very Dannyness, the connection to a seemingly bygone era. Here is a footballer who grew up supporting the club he represents and still lives at home with his parents.

In the words of Manchester City’s Joe Hart:

“You have to be very respectful about the touchy subjects because players have passion and love for their club. Danny Welbeck is the worst to crack because he is a mad, mad, mad Manchester United fan. I joke that he can hate me at United but we have to be friends with England.”

What’s not to love? It is true that United supporters have, at times, cut their local hero more slack than other players but this is perfectly natural. Sport is about more than simply success and the fresh prince of Longsight connects with the Old Trafford faithful more than most.

This season though, Welbeck is beginning to justify the love. During the analysis of the win over Norwich on Match of the Day on Saturday, Alan Hansen referred to the forward as “the complete player”. While this was doubtless hyperbolic, there has been a sense for a while now that if the player could add goals to his game then there was no telling quite what he might achieve.

Indeed, Sir Alex Ferguson, in his final season in charge, answered those journalists who questioned the player’s ability purely due to the lack of goals by asking whether they’d actually watched the games. He was in little doubt as to the talents of his protege and nor were most seasoned observers of the club.

Against Norwich, his introduction changed the game. Hernandez had looked isolated for 45 minutes but Welbeck dropped back and retrieved the ball from midfield just as Wayne Rooney has time and again this season. He completed 84% of his passes and managed two successful take ons. Most importantly, he scored the winner, as a result of determined pressing that yielded the ultimate reward. The victory might just prove crucial, and, if Welbeck can continue in this rich vein of form, so will his involvement.