Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Danny Welbeck for the display that he produced during today's 2-1 win over Liverpool.

The England international had been somewhat of a shock inclusion in the starting lineup, with Javier Hernandez having been tipped to continue his partnership with Robin van Persie in attack.

However, Welbeck caused the Liverpool defence numerous problems throughout the fixture and as a result was handed the man of the match award.

"Danny was fantastic. I thought he gave them a real hard day of it, the two centre-backs," Ferguson told MUTV. "He and Robin, particularly in the first half, gave them a very difficult time.

"The reason Danny played was because we wanted someone who would drop on top of their centre-midfield player. He did that well and put in a great shift.

"He ran his legs off today and deserved the man of the match award really."

Welbeck has scored just once from 22 appearances this season.