Danny Welbeck, a highly promising forward capable of spectacular goals, was handed a first-team squad number for the 2008/09 season after starring for the Academy and Reserves.

The Manchester-born frontman joined United's youth set-up in summer 2007 and quickly caught the eye with his skilful, strong and pacy displays, which have seen him likened by Sir Alex Ferguson to former Arsenal forward Nwankwo Kanu.

He bagged nine goals in 14 starts for the Academy in 2007/08 and seven goals in 11 starts for the Reserves, including a superb hat-trick against Manchester City, as the Reds' second string won

both the Manchester and Lancashire Senior Cups.

His performances earned him a call-up to the first-team squad for United's winter trip to Saudi Arabia. Although he missed a last-minute penalty, Welbeck impressed in his 25-minute appearance against Al Hilal.

Welbeck was later named on the substitutes' bench for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona and was part of the travelling party for the final in Moscow.

An increasing part of Sir Alex's plans, Welbeck rmade a bigger impression on the first team in the 2008/09 campaign.