Manchester United - Tom Cleverley & Danny Welbeck Need To Improve

Manchester United products Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck have been given ample time and opportunities to fulfill their potential. It’s time that the duo repay the faith.

The Class of 92 will always remain the flag bearer of Unitedai??i??s youth academy and the ultimate proof of trusting young talent. For what itai??i??s worth, there has always been at least one home grown player in the United squad for over 400 consecutive games. On the face of it, this is an astounding fact and one that will fill the hearts of United fans with pleasure and pride.

However, with the likes of Giggs and Scholes playing on for decades, the statistic is a wee bit skewed. Also, since that fantastic crop of talent billed as the ai???Fergieai??i??s Fledglingsai??i??, the supply has been rather fragmented. Furthermore, lately, there has rarely been a player of the highest caliber who has broken through from the youth academy. Adnan Januzaj might well buck the trend but he has miles to go and a lot to learn. Losing Paul Pogba was a devastating blow and United would surely be better served if the young Frenchman had been tied up with a long contract.

Of the current first team players, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck among others have come up through the United set up and have been permanent fixtures in the squad for over two years. But have they made their mark at the Theatre of Dreams?

Tom Cleverley

Ever since that brilliant second half introduction against Man City two seasons ago in the community shield, and then the run of subsequent games, Cleverley was expected to heal Unitedai??i??s ailing midfield. It seemed back then that the Englishman would bring energy, improved movement and bring to life that typical United transition from defense to attack. Two seasons hence and all that positivity and effervescence has all but evaporated.Ai?? Although, Cleverley has suffered long breaks from first team football due to injury but even when playing regularly, he hasn’t quite recaptured the imagination of the fans.

Cleverley - Not doing enough! — Cleverley – Not doing enough!

Cleverleyai??i??s biggest strength is his ability to move the ball forward by linking up with his team mates and playing astute one-touch football. Lately, he hasn’t really put his best foot forward; on the contrary Cleverley has been guilty of playing rather mundane and ineffective passes. Perhaps, off the ball movement offered by his team mates hasn’t been up to the mark but Cleverely has failed to make his mark one way or another. For a player like Tom who isn’t really going to add a lot of goals from midfield, it is imperative that he weighs in with more key passes and contributes offensively with the buildup. Also, Cleverley isn’t one of those hard tacklers, but he can improve the defensive side of his game by positioning himself better, reading the game judiciously and intercepting passes, something which Carrick has made his forte.

Man United have been rather poor in central midfield for couple of seasons after the retirement of the one Paul Scholes and the unfortunate medical condition of Darren Fletcher. Michael Carrick has shouldered the burden with aplomb but the former Spurs man is now 32 years old and needs support from an able ally. United have shown great patience with Cleverely and have waited for him to grab that position with the proverbial scruff of the neck but it hasnai??i??t happened as yet.

Come January, Man United will probably be in the market in search of a midfield marshal. With Carrick out injured and Fellaini hitherto flattering to deceive, Cleverley still has time on his hands to find his mojo and stake a claim.

Danny Welbeck

Unlike his friend and team mate Cleverley, Welbeckai??i??s situation is rather more complicated.Ai?? The England striker has the Dutch hit man Robin van Persie and Englandai??i??s prime striker Wayne Rooney standing before him in the pecking order. Furthermore, there is a certain Mexican goal poacher also staking a claim by regularly finding the back of net in his limited appearances. Ai??Ergo, Welbeck has a monumental task ahead to put it mildly.

Now, Welbeck does play effectively down the left flank and gives United a decent option but he is never going to be prolific playing on the wings. Conversely, Welbeck has often fluffed his chances playing in his preferred role; hence he has to operate elsewhere for now. Itai??i??s a double edged sword for Danny Welbeck and the only way he can climb up the pecking order is by giving match winning contributions a la Rooney and RvP.

(c)Danny Welbeck_soccertricksskills_blogspot — Welbeck – Fluffing his chances

Welbeck has so much to his games – brilliant link up play, good at holding up the ball and maneuvering it in tight spaces.Ai?? Also, Danny is rather quick and good with either foot. But, as a striker he just has to finish his chances a lot better. On the plus side though, he keeps getting into those goal scoring positions and never hides in games. At 21, the Englishman has now made over hundred first team appearances for the Red Devils but hardly anyone can claim that Welbeckai??i??s shooting and composure in front of goal has improved.

Yet again, United have persevered with their man and trusted him even in important games. The likes of Will Keane and Angelo Henriquez will undoubtedly push for first team opportunities next term and something rather someone will have to give way. Welbeck has to find his scoring boots, discover that killer instinct and imbibe that inane selfishness that transforms forwards into great goal scorers.

Manchester United – Tom Cleverley & Danny Welbeck Need To Improve

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