Danny Welbeck: Gone But Not Forgotten

Article by Mark Harbottle @harbottle_mark

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Whilst Manchester United fans are still catching their breath following the most exciting end to the transfer window since Berbatov was spotted at Old Trafford circa 10pm on transfer deadline day 2008, there was almost an unexpected afterthought for Manchester-mad Danny Welbeck. The most enthusiastic player of our great history has been replaced by a global phenomenon, but will we miss Danny more than we thought (or hoped) we would?

City’s Joe Hart once quoted that Greater Manchester born Danny Welbeck doesn’t stop talking about United ‘if you get him started’. I don’t think we’ve been able to say that about any of our players since the class of ’92. It’s public knowledge that ‘Welbz’ loved playing for the club (he joined the Youth academy as an 8-year old) and it was perhaps effort over ability that made the same point on the pitch.

Critics seemed to be fairly consistent over the years; quick feet, injecting pace to attack but missing that ‘star quality’ or ‘final touch’ to turn this forward into a goal machine. Manchester United fans laboured along and always wanted the best for him. He wasn’t just a striker going through a dip in form, he was our player, he always was, and that’s all he wanted to be. Who can’t see the romanticism in the local-lad-done-good story?

Manchester United’s history around developing youth is parallelled only with Barcelona, and we are immensely proud to have developed some of the world’s greatest players in our own North-West back garden. When someone of Welbeck’s ability comes through the ranks we only want him to do well. It’s safe to say we gave Welbeck more of a chance than we did David Moyes – and Fergie chose both of them.

Alas, our saviour-to-be Louis van Gaal clearly had other ideas. As Manchester United this week have been labelled the new Galácticos, it seems there was not even a seat on the bench for Danny. It’s a no brainer that the recent acquisition of Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao are exceptional pieces of business this summer. To bring these world superstars to a club that hasn’t won this season, were dumped out the Capital One Cup by Milton Keynes and won’t be playing in Europe this season is simply a masterstroke of genius.

Any club in the world would swap Danny Welbeck for Falcao. There’s a great opportunity for him at Arsenal, and he will probably score a personal record of goals in Giroud’s currently vacant spot. Despite this, after he put two away for England earlier this week I’m sure every Manchester United Fan had that ‘what could have been’ feeling.

So whilst we are still daydreaming about our starting XI this weekend, I’m sure everyone spared a thought for Danny who will most likely start for Arsenal. We have to thank him for his effort, commitment, enthusiasm and genuine love for our club, but I can’t help thinking I’d have preferred to keep him at Old Trafford. Maybe I’m being selfish – he doesn’t deserve to sit on the bench. Like an old friend, we have no choice but to wish him all the best.

Will you miss Danny Welbeck? I’d be really interested to hear your thoughts. You can follow me @harbottle_mark

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