Welbeck celebrates

By Chris O'Brien
March 10 2015

It'll be two seasons without silverware as Manchester United crash out of the FA Cup after a bitterly disappointing quarter-final defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Angel di Maria was sent off for two quick-fire bookings as United bowed out of the world's greatest cup competition with a 2-1 defeat.

The FA Cup was so important for the club this season, and marked a realistic prospect of silverware which has now gone.

Ex-Red Danny Welbeck settled the contest, seizing on a defensive calamity from United, with his passionate celebration saying much about the circumstances in which he left his childhood club.

Arsene Wenger's men broke the deadlock on 25 minutes. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was the creator, with his weaving run causing problems amid some woeful United defending. He then found Nacho Monreal who beat the superb David de Gea.

United fought back swiftly, with a brilliantly constructed goal restoring parity. Wayne Rooney has a habit of scoring against the Gunners - and met Di Maria's excellent cross with a top-draw, powerful headed effort.

Di Maria's evening, however, would end in misery - but not before Welbeck came back to haunt the man who didn't want him, Louis van Gaal. Phil Jones' clumsily chested the ball to Antoinio Valencia, who underhit his backpass, and Welbeck seized on the opportunity.

Hopes of a semi-final spot were further hamstrung by Di Maria's dismissal. The seemingly unsettled big-money playmaker was given his marching orders in foolish fashion, booked for simulation, then again for tugging at the referees shirt seconds later.

This game summed up so much that is wrong with United at the moment - poor defending, a lack of belief, no creativity, an out-of-sorts Di Maria and one-time goal machine Falcao still getting splinters in his backside. Given the potential prize on offer, this defeat hurt more than most.

Arsenal now look forward to a Wembley date with either Reading or Bradford City, whilst the Scousers take on Aston Villa.

Maybe next year, eh? Bitterly disappointing stuff.

Full Time - Manchester United 1-2 Arsenal
Attendance - 74,285