Danny Welbeck has opened up about his departure from Manchester United, explaining that being played out of position prompted his move. The Brighton striker, now 35, came through United's academy and made 142 senior appearances before joining Arsenal in 2014.
Welbeck was frequently deployed on the left wing under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, a role he felt limited his impact. 'I was playing on the left-wing a lot and in a 4-4-2, which is very difficult for me because I can't make an impact on the game,' he said. 'I could make a bigger impact playing in my preferred position.'
Van Gaal later said Welbeck did not have the goal record of Robin van Persie or Wayne Rooney, adding to the sting of his departure. After five seasons at Arsenal and a difficult campaign at Watford, Welbeck joined Brighton as a free agent in October 2020.
At Brighton, Welbeck has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, notching up more appearances and goals than at any previous club. He scored double figures in the Premier League last season and has seven goals in 13 league matches this term, with suggestions he could earn an England recall.
'I'm happier than ever,' Welbeck told The Argus. 'The main thing for me is the consistency of staying on the pitch and getting a rhythm of playing game after game. Unfortunately, I've had some really big injuries that have derailed that, but the last couple of years have been really good.'
