Give him a break! Man Utd’s Wayne Rooney defends Danny Welbeck

Wayne Rooney has defended Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck after the striker extended his goal drought to 15 games in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Fulham.

The 22-year-old has scored once in 27 appearances for the Red Devils this season, with the England international behind Javier Hernández, Rooney and Robin van Persie in the pecking order at Old Trafford.

However, Rooney feels Welbeck has offered more to the Premier League leaders than just goals, with Sir Alex Ferguson opting to use the former Sunderland striker in a wide position this term.

“Everyone labels him as a striker, which I have had at times when I have played in different positions,” said Rooney. “Then someone says I haven’t scored for eight games when I hadn’t played up front.

“Danny has been out wide a lot this season. He works hard and brings a lot of energy to the team.

“He is a great player and his time will come when he gets that run up front. Then I am sure he will score goals.”

Welbeck has netted 18 goals in 90 appearances for United after making his first-team debut against Middlesbrough in the League Cup in September 2008.

The forward, who was nominated for England’s Player of the Year award, scored five times for the Three Lions last year, including a memorable goal in a 3-2 victory over Sweden at Euro 2012.

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