Danny Welbeck

Danny Welbeck | Manchester United & England

Manchester United legend-turned-pundit Rio Ferdinand believes the Red Devils made the mistake to offload both Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck under the tutelage of former manager Louis van Gaal. The United graduates were influential during Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge between 2012 and 2013 where the club won the Premier League crown but they thereafter lasted for just one more season before Van Gaal axed them from the squad.

Both Cleverley and Welbeck had a forgettable season under David Moyes after the Ferguson era and upon the arrival of Van Gaal, they managed to last for only a couple of weeks before they were deemed surplus to requirements. Whilst Welbeck made the switch to Arsenal in a deal worth £16m, Cleverley was shipped to Aston Villa on a season-long loan after which he joined Everton on a free transfer.
"I’m fairly confident the likes of Clevs & Welbs who came through the Manchester United system would have been at the club longer if SAF had stayed as manager. [They] were vital members of the squad that loved the club & know the DNA!,” Ferdinand tweeted in response to the BT Sport interview with Cleverley earlier on Saturday.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has hinted that Danny Welbeck could be utilised in the left-back position, should an emergency arise during the course of the season. The England international was heavily tipped to make way from the Gunners earlier in the summer but the speculation has since ceased with Emery highlighting the player’s importance.

In a report covered by The Mirror, Emery hailed the versatility of the former Manchester United man and believes the Englishman is capable of slotting onto the left side of the backline, he said: “Danny Welbeck is one of the players who has a multi-position possibility. Right winger, left winger, striker, and also yesterday he worked with us at left-back -- his performance was good! I like this spirit. To help positions across the team with positive spirit.I said to him when he arrived with us after the holidays, I want the best performance in his career from this player -- and to work for that.”

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes Danny Welbeck could be a bargain for rival Premier League clubs with the Gunners deemed to have placed £15m price tag on his head. The England international has been with the Gunners over the past four seasons but has not quite cemented a regular role owing to fitness regular injury concerns.

Despite this, Parlour feels there is plenty to come from the attacker, who has only turned 27 despite nearly a decade in professional football, he told TalkSPORT: “I think people forget he’s only 27. [He’s been around forever,] that’s why people forget that he’s so young. He should be in his prime now, he needs to play on a regular basis and whether he’s going to get that opportunity, I don’t think he will at Arsenal with the players in front of him. With the money bounding around now for players, like £50m-plus for not brilliant players, but average players, then £15m you’d think: ‘I’d take that chance.’”

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has urged Jack Wilshere to step up to the next level after deciding to part ways with the Gunners. The England international had the option of a three-year contract on the table with a small pay-cut but he opted against the deal after failing to receive assurances of regular gametime under Unai Emery.

As such, he is due to leave the Emirates at the expiry of his contract this month and Welbeck has spoken positively about the midfielder’s decision. Speaking to reporters, he said: “Obviously Jack with his contract, it was running out and it’s come to an end.The contract was there for him to sign and he’s decided that it’s best for him to leave.

Premier League legend Alan Shearer believes Gareth Southgate made the right choice to pick Danny Welbeck in his squad for the summer World Cup. The England international managed to net just five goals during the recently concluded Premier League season but the Arsenal striker was still able to make the Three Lions squad ahead of Glenn Murray and Callum Wilson who remain uncapped.

Speaking on BBC Sport, Shearer highlighted that Welbeck has a better goalscoring record internationally with 15 strikes from 37 appearances and believes this may have played a key part in the selection process. He said: “Welbeck has a better scoring record internationally than in club football. You wouldn't say he was bang in form and he hasn't pulled up any trees with Arsenal this season.But he is the best option we have as back-up to Vardy and Kane.Overall, Gareth has picked pretty much the strongest squad available to him.He has got to make the best of what he has got.”

Danny Welbeck has taken a thinly veiled dig towards Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho by suggesting that Marcus Rashford does not have to follow tactical instructions. The England international had a frustrating season with United last season where he was often restricted to the flanks.

As such, Rashford struggled for form during the backend of the Premier League campaign but he has returned to Three Lions duty in splendid fashion with a stunning long-range against Costa Rica. Speaking to reporters, Welbeck admitted that Rashford’s qualities have never been doubted and under Gareth Southgate, he has got the freedom to express himself better than at club level.

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is relishing a new challenge with the Gunners next season after witnessing the departure of manager Arsene Wenger. The Gabon international became Wenger’s last signing at the Emirates in January and he managed to end the season on a high by reaching double figures in terms of scoring.

Speaking after the game at Huddersfield Town, Aubameyang spoke about his excitement over a new dawn by saying: “Yes, of course. In the last few weeks we have played well. We have a lot of young players and for sure it's good for the (new) manager. It looks good for the future and I'm sure next season is going to be a good one for us.”

Germany international Shkodran Mustafi has revealed that Arsenal had a team meeting shortly after their double hammering at the hands of Manchester City in the League Cup and Premier League respectively. The Gunners succumbed to a 3-0 defeat to the Citizens in the League Cup last month, and shortly after, they suffered another loss by the same scoreline at the Emirates Stadium.

Things were looking gloomy for Arsene Wenger and his players shortly after, but they have managed to turn things around with three victories on the bounce. Speaking to Arsenal Player, Mustafi admitted that the club have had a tough season by their standards, but is content that the team has managed to bond together during the difficult period.

Gareth Southgate has backed Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere to be in contention for the Three Lions' squad, ahead of next summer's World Cup finals in Russia. The 26-year-old was ignored for the previous set of friendlies owing to his reduced game time, but he has since cemented his spot at the heart of the Arsenal midfield after an injury to Aaron Ramsey.

In a report covered by The Mirror, the England coach hinted that the Gunners graduate has a good chance of retaining his national team spot after impressing in the crucial games for the north London club, he said: "It’s a real plus to see him playing at the level he is, and looking as fit as he is. We know his quality, for him to be starting now in regular games, two games a week, playing at a high level is a real bonus for us.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has suggested that he will give an honest feeling on Danny Welbeck’s dive after going through the situation once more. The England international appeared to entice the referee into rewarding a penalty during the Europa League round of 16 tie against AC Milan on Thursday night.

The Gunners had won the first-leg by a comfortable 2-0 scoreline at San Siro, and they appeared on course to secure another shutout at the Emirates until Hakan Calhanoglu opened the scoring from long-range. With the game, evenly balanced, Welbeck went down from a light challenge from Ricardo Rodriguez in the box, and the penalty which changed the complexion of the game.