After witnessing Manchester United succumb to a limp 2-0 defeat at his former club Everton, David Moyes' troubles show no sign of easing after it emerged that Danny Welbeck is considering his future at Old Trafford, with the England striker dismayed at his lack of opportunities to play as a striker and unsure of his relationship with the manager.
Welbeck came on as a second-half substitute at Goodison Park as United suffered their 11th Premier League defeat of the season. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Welbeck in the close season. The player is aware of the clubs' interest and is weighing up his options as he is intent on ensuring his career does not stall .
Moyes refused to deny speculation that Welbeck is considering his options. Asked about the striker's intention to leave, the United manager said: "Danny Welbeck is really important to me and I really value him. There have been lots of stories. I can only tell you Danny Welbeck is really important to me and really important to Manchester United."
Welbeck will have two years left on his contract in the summer, the usual juncture when fresh terms would be offered. Yet the 23-year-old, who earns around £70,000 a-week, may decide against signing a new deal.
Earlier in the season Moyes claimed he had instructed Welbeck to stay behind for extra training, informing him to follow Wayne Rooney's example. He said: "I've got to say we had a word with him about a month ago and we said that he needs to be the last off the training field. Wayne's out there practising his finishing each day, whether it's taking free-kicks, shooting from tight angles or bending them in, whatever it may be Wayne's practising."
Yet Welbeck questioned Moyes' claim, saying: "I have been doing that ever since I have been at United. I have been injured this season so maybe the manager has not seen me on the training pitch as much."
