If any two moments summed up the shift at United from a club who placed such a huge emphasis on nurturing its own to the sort of ‘galactico’ philosophy of Real Madrid, it was surely the respective decisions on Welbeck and Falcao. Welbeck, after all, is a player who, only three years ago, was such a key part of Manchester United’s 8-2 annihilation of Arsenal. Just two years ago he was being hailed by Sir Alex Ferguson as the future of United when he signed a new contract. And only last year, it was Welbeck who Ferguson trusted above Wayne Rooney to start the most important match of the season against Real Madrid in the Champions League. It would be fascinating to know what Ferguson is thinking this morning. Rio Ferdinand was certainly in little doubt. “Welbeck is a top signing for Arsenal,” he said this morning.