Arsene Wenger

One of the big decisions that Louis Van Gaal made at the start of his stint as Manchester United boss the previous year was to get rid of Danny Welbeck and get him sold to Arsenal.

That move did not receive support of too many of the Manchester United fans. Some believed it was a mistake by Van Gaal and Welbeck’s performance yesterday would have only firmed their belief.

Van Gaal had clarified his stand ruthlessly at that time saying that for him, Welbeck wasn’t the player who could produce quality Football for the whole period of 90 minutes. He couldn’t be banked upon and at best, could only produce some decent substitute shows.

It was a big statement and it could have easily dented Welbeck’s confidence. He is not experienced, only 24 at the moment. He could have started doubting himself and as a young player, that’s the worst situation that you can get yourself into.

But, Welbeck took it as a challenge and yesterday, in Van Gaal’s own backyard i.e. at Old Trafford, he proved the Dutchman wrong by scoring a match winning goal against his team in the Round of 8 Cup game which not only enabled Arsenal to beat United to knock them out, but, it also ensured that the Red Devils would finish second consecutive season empty handed.

They have absolutely no chance of winning the league and they are not in Europe. So, the ongoing season, just like the previous one, would be trophy-less for them barring miracles.

For Arsenal, on the other hand, there are lots of opportunities still. They are in the Round of 4 in the FA Cup now and they are alive in the Champions League too.

They have to overcome 2-goal deficit against Monaco later this month playing the reverse fixture in the pre quarter final round which is not easy, but, with Welbeck and some of the other guys in good form, they would believe that it’s doable for them.