Rooney: Welbeck was right to leave, but seeing him play for Arsenal is weird

Danny Welbeck made the right decision in leaving Manchester United to join Arsenal this summer, according to former team-mate Wayne Rooney.

The 23-year-old striker left Old Trafford after 15 years to move to the Emirates Stadium in a €20 million deal on transfer deadline day and will take on his old team for the first time on Saturday afternoon.


Welbeck has made a strong start to his career in north London, scoring five times in 12 appearances, and Rooney believes the decision to leave United is already paying off – even though he is still not used to seeing his old strike partner in an Arsenal shirt.

"For Danny, and his own career, it was probably the best move for him," the United skipper told MUTV.

"He's done great and scored a few goals. Danny gives you what he always gives you - a good shift.

"Of course [it will be strange playing against Welbeck], Danny has been here all of his life. He is a Manchester lad so it is weird seeing him there.

"At times, as I said to him, he works a bit too hard but he's scoring goals and he's doing well."

Rooney is expecting a tough test at the Emirates but is very familiar with Arsenal’s side due to the growing presence of England internationals amongst the club’s ranks.

"Arsenal have got a good squad, an exciting squad with a lot of young players and a lot of English players which is great for England," continued Rooney.

"We know they play with a lot of energy and we'll have to be at our best to beat them. It's always a tight game and whoever gets the first goal normally wins or gets a result."

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