Andy Ritchie says Danny Welbeck can become a local hero at Manchester United.

Ritchie was one of the few local lads to make the breakthrough at United as a striker.

And he believes Welbeck has the credentials to hold his own in the battle for places next season.

Ritchie told the Manchester Evening News: "Clubs are judged by their success rate and strikers contribute massively to that with their goals. So managers just cannot afford to wait for players in that department to be the finished article.

"That's why so much is spent on goalscorers. I might be biased but I believe it is the hardest position in the side. I will argue my point on that any day with anyone.

"I thought I came in and did pretty well with my goals but then the manager, Dave Sexton, bought Joe Jordan from Leeds United for a-then record fee of £350,000.

"He was tried and trusted and I never got a real look in after that. I didn't think going back to the reserves for two years or whatever would do me any good so I had to leave.

"Sir Alex Ferguson has proved he'll promote anyone from the ranks if they are good enough but he's not a patient man and that's how he should be.

"He can't afford to be anything else. He'll give you a chance but if you don't take it then you've lost it.

"I don't know why it should be, but sometimes it can be harder for a local boy. But Danny Welbeck has grasped the nettle very early and I don't think the same fate will befall him."