Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has hit back at criticisms of his goalscoring record during his time at Manchester United, including United manager Louis van Gaal’s comments that the England international’s record wasn’t good enough for him to remain in the squad alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.
Also See: England’s Euro 2016 Qualifier Squad Named, Sturridge Left Out by Hodgson
Welbeck claimed that his lack of consistency in front of goal for United was due to him having been played out of position in the squad, and given his recent return to form with Arsenal and even the England national team, we’re inclined to believe him.
“Obviously people can say I have not scored enough goals, but you stick the best strikers on the wing in a four-man midfield and see if they score”, Welbeck said. “Nobody can really criticise my finishing because they don’t really see me playing in a forward position too often.
“But now I am getting into these positions I want to be sticking the ball in the back of the net. I am sure it’s the same with every other striker.”
Welbeck was sold to Arsenal from Man U for £16million, with many bemoaning Van Gaal’s decision to let the 23-year-old leave the club for such a comparatively small sum of cash.
Responding to criticisms of his decision to sell Welbeck, Van Gaal previously said: “He played three seasons for the first team, but he doesn’t have the record of Robin van Persie or Wayne Rooney, and that is the standard.” Given that Welbeck scored just 29 times in 147 games Van Gaal certainly had a point, though him being played out of position seemingly had a great impact upon his record, as his career at the Emirates has begun in spectacular fashion.
Photo: Getty Images
