Danny Welbeck Praises Shinji Kagawa for his Influence in Swansea Win

Danny Welbeck believes that Shinji Kagawa's performance in the second half against Swansea changed the whole game and earned the Red Devils three crucial points at Old Trafford after losing two games on the trot at home.

The former Borussia Dortmund man moved into the middle after swapping places with Adnan Januzaj and was influential in both goals, scored by Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck.

The Red Devils had lost to Swansea in the third round of the FA Cup and this performance will give them some much needed confidence ahead of a busy schedule which includes a trip to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea.

United are currently seventh in the table, 10 points behind league leaders Manchester City who won their game against Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Sunday.

Their poor form at home has more or less spelt the end of their title challenge, something which would have been unthinkable under the stewardship of Sir Alex Ferguson a year back. However, Welbeck believes that Kagawa's influence in the second half from his preferred position bodes well for the future.

"I thought Shinji was the difference in the second half. Once we moved him to the middle he looked like he was at home and he really switched it on for us. He made a massive difference, " Welbeck told ManUtd.com.

"We've set a platform now and really want to build on that and gather some momentum. The next match is the most important now. That's what you've got to do, take it one game at a time," he added.

Welbeck has been deployed through the middle following the absence of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney through injury. The England international is thriving in this position but expressed his disappointment at missing a great opportunity to take the Red Devils ahead in the first half.

"I was pretty disappointed going in at half-time after missing that first opportunity. I just tried to stay focused, keep concentrating and remain positive that I would get another chance. Thankfully I did and put it in the back of the net."