Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck considered leaving Manchester United in 2013

Danny Welbeck (L) scores past Fernando Muslera in a Champions League match against Galatasaray

Arsenal’s new striker Danny Welbeck has revealed that he was considering leaving Manchester United for over a year. The English striker moved to the North London club from his boyhood club in a £16-million move on deadline day.

The 23-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford by new boss Louis van Gaal due to his low goal return during his stint at the Red Devils. The striker was frustrated at the lack of match time in his favoured position.

Welbeck said: “Over the past year or so, I started to think about what’s best for me. At the time 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.

“I can play it to the best of my ability, but that’s not best for the team, and I could make a bigger impact playing in my preferred position”, Welbeck said.

Still gave 100% at United: Welbeck

Welbeck iterated that he did not stop giving his 100 percent despite wanting to leave United for over a year.

He said: “You start to have thoughts but at that time you’re still going to training and I was still giving 100 per cent and giving my all in every single game.

“That’s just me, I’m not going to change that. But you do start to think about what’s best for you.”

Welbeck has scored 10 goals for club and country this season, while his replacement at Old Trafford, the injury-plagued Radamel Falcao, has only managed twice – 1 goal each for club and country.

Daniel Welbeck's form in 2014/15 compared to his ex-teammates

PLAYER	APPEARANCES	GOALS
Daniel Welbeck	18*	10
Wayne Rooney	14	7
Robin van Persie	15	5
Radamel Falcao	8*	2

*Only Welbeck’s Arsenal appearances and Falcao’s appearances for Manchester United have been considered