An ex-Manchester United player that Arsene Wenger will be hoping fares a little bit better than the error-strewn Silvestre is England centre-forward Danny Welbeck. It speaks volumes for his popularity at Old Trafford that despite the clubs decision to sign Columbian superstar Radamel Falcao on the same day, there was a sense of disappointment in the air that they had allowed their homegrown lad to depart for a potential top four rival. Welbeck was never the most clinical in front of goal, and indeed Man United boss Louis van Gaal explained that he had to leave because he doesnt have the record of Robin van Persie or Wayne Rooney. He scored 29 goals in 142 appearances for the Red Devils, and even went through an entire campaign with just one Premier League strike to his name not so long ago. But due to his sheer work-rate and desire, the romantics in Old Trafford were not in a rush to see their 23 year old striker depart after 15 years at the club, and especially not to Arsenal.
''Yes, Im surprised. I think for both parties it is a good move. I hate to see him leave Manchester United. For him it would be a fantastic move but I think he is the sort of player who can really strengthen Arsenal. I have known Danny since the age of eight or nine. I saw him come through. He is not an out and out goalscorer. He is a link player, he is a creator, he is unpredictable. It is a shame that players that come through the ranks have to leave the club. - Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen, September 2014.
It was not a move that was anticipated by Arsenal supporters, and was one that was met with a mixed response - after all, £16 million was a lot of money to part with for a player with such a modest goal return.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
