It was hard to knock out Manchester United, admits Welbeck

Do you support Danny Welbeck celebrating his goal yesterday? He enjoyed his return to Manchester United but admitted "it was hard to knock them out" of the FA Cup after his strike secured Arsenal a place in the semi-finals.

Welbeck pounced on Antonio Valencia's 61st-minute back-pass, rounded David de Gea and scored to give the Gunners a 2-1 win and a place in the last four against either Reading or Bradford.

The England international joined the north Londoners on deadline day in September last year after coming through the United youth system and confessed to having mixed emotions after the game.

He told the BBC: "Manchester United is a club that means so much to me. I'm a fan and it's hard to knock them out."

The 24-year-old did not hold back with his celebrations after the goal and conceded the adrenaline was pumping.

He added: "I think basically once the emotion takes over it's kind of difficult to keep it in. But obviously I try to be respectful as well because this is a club that's meant so much to me and still does.

"It was about being professional, keeping my focus and motivation. I kept plugging away and then got on the end of Antonio Valencia's back-pass, beat David de Gea and got the winning goal.

"I'm just really pleased we're through to the next round."

Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker revealed Welbeck cut a subdued figure after the match.

The Germany international told Radio 5 live: "Danny Welbeck was a great player here at United, he's a bit quiet in the dressing room at the moment.

"I think it hurts him a bit as well as he was here for a long time.
"We tried to get him going and to tell him he can enjoy special moments with Arsenal."