Wouldn’t you just love it if tomorrow instead of that lazy oaf-like figure of Adebayor lining up against United, we had a fit, rejuvenated, experienced international striker, loyal to his team’s cause. Well Barcelona do… and all it took was a bit of support and patience.

Wenger’s mistakes have been highlighted on numerous occasions this year, but rarely is it stated that Thierry Henry is back at his best. 19 league goals and five Champions League goals this season and not even playing at centre forward. This is surely Wenger’s biggest mistake of all. Yes he spent the two previous seasons getting back into shape, and he might not be quite as fast as before, but now, we have one of Europe’s most fearful strikers where he deserves to be. Henry is almost certain to add La Liga and very possibly, finally the European Cup to his perfect trophy cabinet. Yet with a bit more conviction from us, he could be doing this in red and white.

At 31 years old, and never having any significant - if any - surgery during his career, there is no reason why he can’t keep up this season’s form for a few more years, like Bergkamp did. Just as Adebayor’s form started to tail off after his disgraceful clash with Bendtner away at Spurs last season, Henry nursed himself back into his formidable shape. Henry could have won us the title last season, calmed down William Gallas and groomed the talents of Theo, Bendtner, Van Persie, Vela and Wilshere. The worst part of it all is that had he stayed, he would only be earning fractionally more than the daylight robbery of Adebayor’s contract.

If this isn’t a reason for us to hang onto our key players, then I don’t know what is. We, as Gooners, love to boast that no player who leaves Arsenal goes on to taste success, but maybe we should wake up and smell the coffee. Vieira has won the title every year since he left us and god knows how many trophies Henry could now win. We have not won a single trophy since Vieira left. How many Arsenal fans really believe that Fabregas and Arshavin will still be here when this young team starts to peak?

I don’t think there is a single Arsenal fan out there who wouldn’t leap at the chance of seeing Henry leading our attack tomorrow, and even Vieira, instead of the admittedly improving Song and Denilson. All it would have needed was for Wenger to stand up to his stars and give them the same roles that they now have at their current clubs. Wenger stood up to Tony Adams and Bergkamp, slowly winding down their roles, so why couldn't he do the same with Vieira and Henry? Tonight is a game for men, not for boys. Even Mourinho put Vieira back in the side when Inter played at Old Trafford. This evening is not the time for experimenting. It’s for 2-0, no nonsense, no nerves.

And if we don’t overturn United, then I and I’m sure most other Gooners will be cheering for Barcelona and Henry. Well done Titi - you deserve this success. Our loss is yours and Barca’s gain.