Danny Welbeck named as a Manchester United player in latest England squad

Former United striker bagged a hat-trick for Arsenal against Galatasaray

(Getty Images)

As every English football fan knows, Manchester United are facing a season out of European competition.

As if that wasn't painful enough, last night extra salt was rubbed into that wound when former striker Danny Welbeck, sold to Arsenal for £16m this summer, bagged a hat-trick for the Gunners in the 4-1 win against Galatasaray.

Welbeck was named in Roy Hodgson's England squad for the matches against San Marino and Estonia but one man in the Football Association is clearly in denial about Welbeck's successful move to north London (or perhaps it was just a typo).

It might be wishful thinking for Louis van Gaal and United fans who have struggled in the opening months of this season.

Welbeck has settled in brilliantly with his new team and already bagged four for the Gunners.

After a moment of stupidity last week led Wayne Rooney to being sent off against West Ham, he is now suspended for the next three matches, while new signing Radamel Falcao has failed to adjust to the pace of the English top flight.

Wishful thinking indeed.