Rio Ferdinand feels Manchester United were wrong to sell Danny Welbeck, especially to Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Although Javier Hernandez had been loaned to Real Madrid, the signing of Radamel Falcao and the emergence of James Wilson meant Welbeck faced the prospect of being relegated to fifth choice striker at Old Trafford. Louis van Gaal therefore agreed to let the 23-year-old leave, although it is thought he was initially reluctant to let him join a rival.
However, with the clock ticking on deadline day, it became clear that the England international had set his sights on signing for Arsenal. United then accepted a £16million bid from the Emirates Stadium club, and the transfer was rubberstamped. Queens Park Rangers defender Ferdinand, though, feels his former club may live to regret this decision.
“I cannot believe United let Danny go, especially to Arsenal,” he told The Telegraph. “That seems mad to me. If Arsenal use him right, he will be very dangerous for them. Danny has everything to be a top player. English football has yet to see what he can really do because he hasn’t been getting a run of games. At Arsenal he will be the main man and I have no doubt he will flourish. Imagine the pace Arsenal will have when everyone is fit.”
Welbeck, meanwhile, is set to start for England when they take on Switzerland in their opening Euro 2016 qualifier on Monday night. An injury to Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge could give the Arsenal new-boy the opportunity to play as a central striker, and he has made it clear that this is the position he wishes to occupy for both club and country.
“I prefer to play as a centre-forward,” Welbeck told the Sunday Times. “We’ll see (about his scoring rate) when I get my opportunity to do that. I’ve never had the opportunity to get a consistent run of games as No 9 but have faith in my ability. I’m no longer a young player. Coming to this stage of my career I really want to push on.”
United fans, do you think you will regret letting Welbeck leave? And do you think he can become first choice striker for Arsenal? Let us know what you think by joining in with the discussion below!
