Joy for Welbeck tempered by Cup night of mixed emotions
DANNY WELBECK started looking forward to his first Wembley appearance with Arsenal after going through a night of mixed emotions at Old Trafford on Monday .
Welbeck sent Arsenal through to an FA Cup semi-final against either Bradford or Reading with a 61st-minute winner that came as a result of a clanger by Manchester United right-back Antonio Valencia.
For United boss Louis van Gaal, watching the man he sold last summer score the winner at Old Trafford must have been hard to take.
But it was also a difficult night for Welbeck, the Longsight lad who came through United’s academy and still considers himself to be a big fan of the club.
“Manchester United is a club that means so much to me,” said Welbeck, who spent 15 years at United having joined them at eight.
“I’m a fan and it’s hard to knock them out. “I was just doing my job. “It was about being professional, keeping my focus and motivation. I kept plugging away and then got on the end of Antonio Va- lencia’s backpass, beat David de Gea and got the winning goal.
“I’m just really pleased we’re through to the next round.”
Welbeck’s name was cheered by the home and away support when it was read out from the Arsenal team sheet pre-match and he received a largely warm reception when he was substituted in the 74th minute.
“I’ll always respect the fans, I had a lovely reception from them and I’m thankful for that,” the England forward said.
Arsenal are now favourites to retain the FA Cup after their first victory at Old Trafford in nine years.
“It’s good for the team that we’re through to the next round, and we’re in the semi-finals at Wembley,” added Welbeck.
“To get the goal was good for me but it was all about the team performance.”