Sunderland boss Steve Bruce believes Danny Welbeck is destined for success with Manchester United.
Old Trafford legend Bruce believes that with hard work and dedication Welbeck, scorer of four goals for Sunderland in November, has the potential to become United's best homegrown striker since Mark Hughes and Norman Whiteside.
Bruce said: "Manchester United don't sell good, young players very often.
"Sir Alex Ferguson nurtures young players by loaning them out like he did many years ago when he sent David Beckham to Preston or more recently by letting Jonny Evans get games at Sunderland.
"From the outset, Sir Alex wanted Danny to have more experience and play regularly. He is watching closely how Danny is progressing and that will play a part in shaping his future at United.
"We would like to sign him permanently, but that was always a fairly remote possibility. I have spoken to Sir Alex about Danny, but we accept he is likely to be staying at United. But, in football, you never say never. Danny's had a very good month and made some headlines.
"But the most important thing for him to remember is that to get to the top he must reproduce that form week in, week out.
"He struggled when he first came here and if he wants to convince Sir Alex that he is ready for the top level, he must keep showing that form and keep scoring over the next six months. Not too many of Manchester United's top strikers in recent history have been homegrown and if he wants to make the top he has to develop consistency."
