Martin Keown has praised the performance of Danny Welbeck in Manchester United's 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in their last-16 tie in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

The England forward was selected ahead of Wayne Rooney by manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and Keown used his column in the Daily Mail to explain how much he thought of the 22-year-old's performance.

"On Tuesday night, he was asked to support Robin van Persie and help mark Xabi Alonso and he did both admirably," said Keown.

"His movement off the ball was excellent, his pace was electric and his link-up play with Van Persie was intelligent. He seemed happy to drop in and stop Alonso getting the ball, the reason he was selected ahead of Wayne Rooney."

Welbeck has scored two Premier League goals this season.