United's big spending shows lack of faith in youth - Phelan

Danny Welbeck (19) dribbles past AS Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes (32) in the first half against AS Roma at Sports Authority Field. Jul 26, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester United have "lost the way a little bit" by offloading homegrown Danny Welbeck to Premier League rivals Arsenal and spending extravagantly to bring in players like Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, former assistant manager Mike Phelan said.

England striker Welbeck, a product of United's Academy who scored 29 goals in 142 first-team appearances, was sold to Arsenal on transfer deadline day on Monday.