Man Unitedai??i??s Corner: Chicharito & Welbeck ai??i?? A Study In Contrast

By Nipun Malhotra
12 years Ago

ai???If you’re in the penalty area and don’t know what to do with the ball, put it in the net and we’ll discuss the options later.ai??? ai??i?? Bob Paisley (former Liverpool manager)

After all is said and done, the dust cleared and the smoke settled, itai??i??s the number against the goals scored category that determines the destiny of a football team. Defense plays a role, a crucial one at that, but surely all the glory lies with the ones who put the ball in the back of the net. The Old Trafford turf, over the years, has been graced with many outstanding front men; Unitedai??i??s folklore has been enriched with tales of the Laws, the Cantonas and the Nistelrooys of this world.

This season is no exception – or perhaps it is – as the Red Devils quite possibly have a chock-a-block spectrum of striking ability at their disposal, ranging from the artistic beauty of the Bulgarian Berbatov to the brute force of the raging bull called Wayne Rooney. The exploits of those two gentlemen are well-known and ably documented.

Which means a more suitable expending of our energies might be on the contrasting styles of two of Manchester United’s most promising young guns – stars of today and for the foreseeable future. Danny Welbeck and Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez provide the exuberance of youth to this ensemble cast at the Theatre of Dreams and the whole package at Sir Alexai??i??s disposal looks as tempting as it has ever been.

Itai??i??s fair to say that the young duo of Welbeck and Chicharito have made the cut at United and that in itself, is an achievement. Many an established name have come up a cropper when saddled with the weight of expectations; just ask Diego Forlan. Whatai??i??s even more riveting is the path their careers have taken en-route to first team status. The contrast couldnai??i??t be any more glaring.

Javier Hernandez ai??i?? Instant Success But Still A Lot To Learn

Signed from Guadalajara in Mexico and within months becoming the poster boy of one of the biggest clubs in the world, Chicharitoai??i??s meteoric rise to fame is a stuff of legends. It wonai??i??t be an exaggeration to say that over 90% of United’s fans were oblivious to the Mexican’s talents before the deal was announced. However, the World Cup in South Africa brought him to instant prominence and his performances were a watershed of sorts as many a skeptic were taken aback by Hernandezai??i??s pedigree. The fans of the Red Army hoped for a similar impact on British Shores and itai??i??s fair to say all their expectations have been matched and easily surpassed.

Chicharito took to England like a duck to water and soon defenses up and down the country were taking notice. The directness in his game brought an instant and an unwavering goal threat which had vanished from Fergusonai??i??s team ever since the great goal poacher ai??i??Ruud Van Nistelrooy deserted the scene in acrimonious circumstances. Both Berbatov & Wayne Rooney preferred playing in the hole – not that they didnai??i??t want to lead the line – but their games made for more of a traditional 10 or a false 9.

Hernandez now provided the duo (Rooney & Berbatov) with an option ahead of them by running at defenders and complimenting their brilliance with composure and the goal scorerai??i??s instinct. The Mexicanai??i??s proficiency in front of goal and his ability to find space and make runs behind the defense made him a pest of sorts for defenders and to the delight of the Red half of Manchester, Chicho invariably scored. United fans found a new hero, someone who played the game with a smile and passion for the shirt.

It was indeed love at first sight so it was hardly a surprise when Chicho was named ai???Fans player of the yearai??i?? in his debut season for the Red Devils. Not that it was undeserved, 20 goals in a season is a great return by any standard. Chicharito was now being talked about in the same breath as a former fan favorite and United legend- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the resemblance was hard to miss. Deadly finishers, super-sub performances and effervescence personified ai??i?? Chicharito recreated Ole on the OT canvas and the fans were caught up in nostalgia.

Chicharito - The new "Baby faced assassin"

However, despite his super success and the all round acclaim gathered there were a few minor shortcomings in the Mexicanai??i??s game and have been more apparent in the second season. Also, the emergence of Welbeck has coincided with Chichoai??i??s lack of form and fitness early on in the season. Hernandez has often been guilty of losing possession as he is not quite theAi??archetypalAi??strong central forward; his hold up play certainly leaves a lot to be desired and there is room for improvement in his linkup play. A lot of moves break down when Chicharito cannot quite come up with the desired pass and in big games that can often be the difference.

His strengths have been so overwhelming that the few obvious weaknesses have been easily overlooked. Nevertheless, in recent months, Chicho has already shown a marked improvement in those areas and that serves as an indicator of his passion and determination. The Mexican is certainly not resting on his laurels but working hard to improve his all round game which is as good a guarantee as any.

Danny Welbeck ai??i?? Slowly And Steadily Rising In Stature

Danny Welbeck made his first team debut almost 3 seasons ago when a certain Cristiano Ronaldo was still sweeping teams away through sheer wizardry. Ironically itai??i??s the debut of another teen sensation that remains the abiding memory of the season, yes; Kiko Macheda scored ai???thatai??? goal and forever cemented his place in the annals of history. But sadly, few remember Welbeckai??i??s stupendous strike against Stoke City in his debut appearance for his beloved club and it indeed was a strike worth remembering.

Since then, Welbeck has come a long way and its through sheer grit and hard work that the Englishmen now commands a starting place in the United first team, not that Danny lacks anything talent wise.

After a loan spell at Preston North End, which was prematurely curtailed by injury as Danny managed only eight appearances for the Posh, Steve Bruce came in for the Englishmen and another loan followed this time to the Stadium of Light. Many believe this was the making of Welbeck as the Englishman improved many folds during his tenure at Sunderland. Partnered with Ghanaian Gyan and sometimes operating from the left wing Welbeckai??i??s link up play and ability on the ball became irreplaceable to Black Cats style of play and although the goals were few and far in between, his importance to the team was undeniable.

Welbeck garnered rave reviews from Sunderland faithful and the club wanted to tie him up on a permanent deal. Ferguson though, wasnai??i??t going to let go off this rare gem. Welbeck has since returned to the Theatre of Dreams where he first learned his trade and had dreamt of donning the Red of United.

The season so far has showcased why the manager wanted to include Danny Welbeck in his plans and to give credit to the youngster he hasnai??i??t let the gaffer down. Dannyai??i??s style of play has become vital to success of the team especially in big games where the youngsterai??i??s touch, hold up play and ability to link up with his team mates makes him an irreplaceable cog in the wheel. In many ways, Welbeck is a modern day striker- comfortable on the ball, relaxed in tight areas and willing to work the channels. Danny can play the lone front man role withAi??consummateAi??ease and furthermore, he can operate as a left sided wide forward. Clearly, versatilityAi??is the middle name of the young Mancunian as the rise of Danny Welbeck this season has been nothing short of phenomenal.

But at the age of 21, itai??i??s harsh to expect Welbeck be completely devoid of flaws and Danny is certainly not a finished product yet. He is not as confident as the Mexican in front of goal and has often been guilty of missing some easy chances and over complicating things when a simpler option was available. His balance has improved in the last season or so but can only get better with age and maturity and possible when and if his body develops. The sky is the limit for this young Mancunian and he could go on to lead the line for years for both club and country.

With Wayne Rooney penciled in for one of the strikers position, the fight is on between the dynamic duo to grab the other slot available. Hernandez looked to have stolen a march with the exploits in his debut season, however Welbeck is now well and truly back in the mix and perhaps a yard or two ahead in the race.

For the manager itai??i??s a happy position to be in, for the fans itai??i??s impossible to take sides and pick favorites. Chicharito for some is the proven goal scorer while others reckon Welbeckai??i??s the real deal. Not that any of us are complaining.

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Categories: COVER STORY, Editor's Pick, English Premier League, Manchester United
Tags: Chicharito Manchester United Welbeck

Javier Hernandez ai??i?? Instant Success But Still A Lot To Learn

Danny Welbeck ai??i?? Slowly And Steadily Rising In Stature

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