Gary Neville was baffled. So was Bryan Robson. Football writers inevitably questioned Manchester United's decision to sell Danny Welbeck to Arsenal for £16 million after he scored both goals in England's 2-0 win over Switzerland in Basel.
Two things persuaded Louis van Gaal to allow Welbeck to leave and the surprise is anyone is really surprised.
Firstly, United was able to bring in Radamel Falcao from Monaco for a season-long loan for a fee of £6 million. In his last 139 games for FC Porto, Atletico Madrid and Monaco, Falcao has scored 104 goals. In 51 internationals, the Colombia striker has netted 20 goals. While there is no guarantee any player will continue such outstanding statistics, there is little reason to believe Falcao's goals will dry up in a Premier League not noted for its defensive strengths.