Debuchy fury over blocked United move

ARSENAL defender Mathieu Debuchy has criticised boss Arsene Wenger for blocking a “magnifi cent” deadline- day move to Manchester United.

Right- back Debuchy, below, has barely fi gured in Wenger’s team this season, making just two top- fl ight appearances.

He was allowed to leave Arsenal on deadline day, joining Bordeaux on loan until the end of the season. But the former Newcastle player, who cost the Gunners £ 12million in July 2014, has accused Wenger of blocking a move to Old Trafford because he did not want to sell to a title rival.

“I was disappointed, obviously,” said Debuchy, 30. “If I had the chance to go to Manchester United it would have been magnifi cent.

“Unfortunately it wasn’t the case. I discussed it with the coach, who said that obviously he couldn’t help out a rival.

“Yes, I’m a little bit annoyed with him. It’s his choice. I came back well this summer, I had a good pre- season. I talked to him to know my future at Arsenal. He said I would have game time and that we would discuss it in December. Unfortunately, I didn’t get this game time.”

Arsenal cut the gap on leaders Leicester to two points on Sunday and defender Per Mertesacker believes that Danny Welbeck will prove his doubters wrong after his goalscoring comeback against Leicester.

The England striker came off the bench to grab the winner after almost 10 months out with knee problems .

Mertesacker said: “I gave him a hug and a well done afterwards – that says it all. He went through a bad period but he kept believing in himself when everyone maybe doubted him.

“It was a great chance for him to come in and show he is ready to give everything to the team. He was always integrated in the team, but when you feature on the pitch and give the team such a great goal and energy, it gives you a big lift.

“Danny will play a big part. We need players coming back, we had a lot of long- term injuries which gave us a problem in January.”