Manchester United Transfer News: Devils Can't Lose Identity for Short-Term Goals

Manchester United are facing some criticism for selling Danny Welbeck and other youngsters during the summer in favour of high-priced stars as they attempt to turn the club's fortunes around, but the Red Devils shouldn't sacrifice their identity to obtain their short-term goals.

Paul Scholes recently voiced his displeasure regarding the sale of Welbeck in his column for The independent (h/t to Goal, for beIN Sports), saying:

"

Naturally, I was sad, as a United fan, to see Welbeck leave this week. My feeling was that if he could have got through this transfer window and stayed at the club he could have been a part of United’s future over the next few years.

It shows how highly regarded Danny is that a club as big as Arsenal signed him. He will be a good signing for Arsene Wenger. Danny will never be a 20-25 goals-a-season man but he could get Arsenal 10 to 15.

"

He's but the latest to speak out on the decision, but unlike most, Scholes is not some pundit trying to stir the pot. The man bleeds United. When he says he's sad over a decision the club made, it means one of the club's most fiery fans is sad.

Welbeck wasn't the only youngster to leave the club during the summer window. Highly touted Welsh talent Tom Lawrence made a permanent switch to Leicester City on deadline day, a shock move few fans would have seen coming.

There's no denying Louis van Gaal and the club needed reinforcements in order to give the Red Devils their best chance of success in 2014-15. You'll be hard-pressed to find a single United fan upset about the fact the likes of Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria made the move to Old Trafford, hefty price tag or no.

Jon Super/Associated Press

United are one of the biggest clubs in world football—they should have some of the biggest stars defending the crest.

But big stars are but part of the equation that led to the club establishing itself as one of the biggest on the planet. The Red Devils have built their success on the blend of stars and talent, and the proficiency of the team's academy. Unlike plenty of top clubs, Old Trafford is a place where youngsters get plenty of chances to shine.

Van Gaal is following that pattern—Adnan Januzaj, James Wilson and Jesse Lingard are but three examples of talented youngsters who have already featured for the club in 2014-15.

Jon Super/Associated Press

The sales of Welbeck and Lawrence don't have to mean Van Gaal is about to break with United's long history of patience and relying on young talent, but it does set a dangerous precedent. Lawrence in particular had the look of a future star—there was no reason to sell him before giving him a fair chance.

Yes, United have a first option on the 20-year-old, as reported by the Sunday Times' James Ducker, but he was a prime candidate for a loan move, similar to Nick Powell:

It's pivotal the club doesn't forget about the plethora of talented youngsters currently plying their trade in the academy. Stars like Paul Pogba left due to a lack of chances in the past, but in general, most of these players know that if they work hard, they'll eventually get the opportunity to prove themselves on the highest level.

That, and the history of success are reasons young players choose United's academy over Chelsea's, for instance, and why they're willing to stay with the cub for such a long time.

It's United's biggest selling point when it comes to young talent, and something they can't afford to sacrifice for the sake of silverware in the next two years. Nobody is saying they will—but in the wake of the transfers of Welbeck and Lawrence, now is a good time to remind everyone youth is always welcome at Old Trafford.

Van Gaal is a winner, but his career with the Red Devils should be a long-term project. That includes some of the top talents currently waiting in the wings, and at the very least, they have to believe they will get their chance when the time comes.

Follow @ReverschPass