Name: Daniel Welbeck
Born: November 26th, 1990 (age 19)
Club: Manchester United (on loan at Sunderland)
International Honours: England U19s (10 caps, 2 goals) U21s (7 caps, 2 goals)
After signing his first professional contract at Manchester United in 2007, Welbeck quickly attracted the attention of Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson with his mixture of pace, skill and strength. The experienced manager even likened him to ex-Arsenal striker, Nwanwko Kanu.
The Manchester-born front-man bagged 16 goals in 25 starts for the academy and reserve sides in the 2007/08 season, and was rewarded with a call-up to the first-team squad.
Impressed by his performances for Uniteds second-string, Ferguson took the striker on a winter trip to Saudi Arabia in January 2008. He made his debut against Al-Hilal in Sami Al-Jaber's testimonial match, and despite missing a last minute penalty he showed his ability in a 25 minute appearance.
Soon he was becoming an increasing part of the Scot's plans and made his competitive debut in September of that year in a League Cup tie against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.
Just two months later, he made his Premier League bow in a game against Stoke City. The 19-year-old marked it in style by netting his first senior goal with a wonderful 30 yard strike in a 4-0 win over the Potters.
It was turning out to be a dream campaign for the youngster as international recognition followed. Stuart Pearce brought him on in a 3-2 friendly defeat to Ecuador in February 2009 and it was to get better just a month later, as he received a starting berth in the Carling Cup final victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
In January 2010 he joined Championship side Preston on loan, linking up with Ferguson's son and North End boss Darren. After two goals in three games, his spell at Deepdale was unfortunately cut short by a knee injury.
At the beginning of August it was confirmed that Welbeck had become Sunderland's eighth summer signing, joining up with manager Steve Bruce for the entire 2010/11 season.
He will hoping for more success when the Premier League season comes to a close, with a potential trip to the European under-21 Championships if England make it through their impending play-off tie against Romania.
Source: DSG
