Legend and club reserve team coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains confident Federico Macheda, Danny Welbeck and Mame Biram Diouf have the quality to thrive at the club despite a season in which all have succumbed to injuries. Macheda was expected to take a big step in his Old Trafford career this season after his exploits during his Premier League campaign last year, but a four month absence with a groin injury put paid to the youngsters’ progress. He recently made a scoring return to Uniteds first team with a consolation goal against Chelsea but like his young teammates Welbeck and Diouf, 2010 has been a frustrating year.
Great things are expected of Danny Welbeck who recently returned from a loan spell with Preston North End, again through injury. The 19 year old was tipped by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson for a World Cup berth at the beginning of the season however, he was recently ruled out for the season and like Diouf, who is sidelined with a groin problem, both will have to bide their time before they are considered for first team duties on a regular basis.
Solskjaer suggests all three have the necessary attributes to “play for Manchester United for many years to come” despite an otherwise altogether forgettable season. The Norwegian urged the starlets to work as hard as they can on the training ground in a effort to show Ferguson their undoubted ability.
The Norwegian was the first to admit that “It has been disappointing for them, they’ve all had their injury problems but they are young, exciting and they have got the chance of a lifetime here. They have got an opportunity to play for a great club for many years to come. I wish I was still in that situation. If I was I’d be out working long afternoons and practising my heading and shooting.
They are all developing talents. To steal a march they have to work hard and they will. Diouf has pace, Macheda is quick, powerful and the most natural finisher and Welbeck is an all round striker. It has been disappointing that their progress has been hampered by injury but hopefully next season they will be fit and ready to prove to the boss that they should be the one challenging for a first team opportunity”
Which of these young stars will be the first to make the breakthrough at United?
