Gary Neville has again criticised the Danny Welbeck Manchester United sale as the academy graduate moves closer to joining Chelsea.
Welbeck left Old Trafford for Arsenal in a £16million deal in September 2014. More than a decade later, the 35-year-old is preparing for another Premier League move following six productive seasons with Brighton.
Neville believes United made a major mistake by allowing the England international to leave.
“I said ten years ago that Manchester United should never have sold Danny Welbeck,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“He’s gone away and done brilliantly well. He’s a fantastic player.”
Danny Welbeck Manchester United sale still frustrates Neville
Welbeck progressed through United’s academy before scoring 29 goals in 142 senior appearances.
He helped the club win the Premier League under Sir Alex Ferguson and later represented Arsenal, Watford and Brighton.
The forward recorded a career-best 13 Premier League goals last season. His form has convinced Chelsea that he can provide experience and reliable attacking depth for Xabi Alonso.
Neville believes elite clubs need established professionals who can set standards for younger players. Welbeck’s longevity and continued production support his argument that United gave up on the striker too early.
Rio Ferdinand has also questioned why United are not pursuing a reunion. The former defender recently urged Welbeck to reject Chelsea and return to Manchester United.
United already have Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee available to Michael Carrick. However, Welbeck could have provided Premier League experience, leadership and cover across several attacking positions.
A return now appears unlikely, with Chelsea leading the pursuit. Neville’s reaction nevertheless provides another reminder of the long-term consequences of United’s decision in 2014.
