Former Manchester United fullback Arthur Albiston says teenage striker Danny Welbeck can make it at Old Trafford.

"Arsenal have had Kanu in the past and now have Emmanuel Adebayor and I think Danny Welbeck has the kind of game to replicate what they've given the Gunners," Albiston told the Manchester Evening News.

"He has the ability to drag the ball past defenders. He has a languid style and you might think, at first look, that he is not quick. But, believe me, he is.

"He's very easy on the eye. Often big tall players don't look comfortable on the ball and their control doesn't appear great.

"But Danny is a really smooth mover, is confident on the ball and has great control.

"He can beat defenders using either foot and has a very nice unflustered temperament. He gets knocked about a lot but he just gets up and gets on with it.

"United have the likes of Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez who are low centre of gravity, powerful players. Danny Welbeck can eventually, if he progresses as he should, offer another option."

However, there is that near quarter-century albatross hanging around the necks of the Reds, who don't seem able to discover a home product.

"The fact is I think it is so much harder for strikers to make the breakthrough at a club like United," said Albiston.

"The hardest thing in football is to put the ball in the net and a big club like United need to have that available all the time.

"Producing defenders and midfield players is a bit easier. Goals win matches and all big clubs can't wait around for that special striker to come through. It has to be instant.

"But when you do get one who has the potential it is very exciting and Danny is showing good signs at this early age."