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Welbeck catching the eye

David Moyes says he has been impressed with Danny Welbeck as the striker looks certain to lead the line against the Singha All Star XI on Saturday in the opening match of the Tour 2013 presented by Aon.



The local lad rose through the ranks at Old Trafford and Wayne Rooney's return home with a hamstring injury has left him as the only out-and-out centre-forward in the squad.

"I've only seen him for a short time but I've been impressed," enthused Moyes at a press conference in Bangkok. "He looks a very good player.

Larnell Cole and Angelo Henriquez.

"Larnell Cole was given extra time off," confirmed the Reds boss. "He was playing in the European tournaments this summer. He's only just reporting back for training now. The people tell me he's an exciting prospect and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the coming months.

"At the moment, we want to change one or two things around. I just need a bit of time to do that. I've chosen not to bring them [some of the more established fringe members of the squad such as Bebe and Federico Macheda] on the tour. I felt as if I wanted to give some other players an opportunity so I've left them behind."

"I'm really excited but more excited about the players I'm working with. They've lifted me. The biggest thing is the professionalism. It's second to none. Also their commitment to be winners. I see it in training."

"A lot of the things he's done have been excellent. If we can add some goals to his tally from last year, it will make a big difference. From what I’ve seen so far, he's an exciting player and someone I'm looking forward to working with."

Jesse Lingard, Michael Keane and Adnan Januzaj who, like Welbeck, have played for the club's Academy, will all be handed a chance to shine during the tour.

"Tomorrow is my first opportunity to manage the team," added Moyes. "And it will take a little bit of time to get used to each other but that's what the games are for. We'll try and give as many people as we can an opportunity to play. We'll see some young players as well. Obviously, we will use all the games to prepare for the start of the season."

Some younger players have also been left behind and are likely to feature in the friendlies taking place in Britain and Ireland. Those competing at the Under-20 World Cup have been granted a break, namely Sam Johnstone, Guillermo Varela, Tom Thorpe, Larnell Cole and Angelo Henriquez.

"Larnell Cole was given extra time off," confirmed the Reds boss. "He was playing in the European tournaments this summer. He's only just reporting back for training now. The people tell me he's an exciting prospect and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the coming months.

"At the moment, we want to change one or two things around. I just need a bit of time to do that. I've chosen not to bring them [some of the more established fringe members of the squad such as Bebe and Federico Macheda] on the tour. I felt as if I wanted to give some other players an opportunity so I've left them behind."

"I'm really excited but more excited about the players I'm working with. They've lifted me. The biggest thing is the professionalism. It's second to none. Also their commitment to be winners. I see it in training."

Welbz. I am looking forward to seeing how the young lads we have taken on tour do!