Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand have never been shy of voicing their opinions on all matters connected to Old Trafford including transfers
Chelsea have signed Danny Welbeck on a two-year deal from Brighton & Hove Albion. The news comes despite Manchester United legends Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville believing that he should be back at Old Trafford in a red shirt.
The United academy graduate will bolster Xabi Alonso’s attack at Stamford Bridge this season and add some much-needed experience to a young squad. The 35-year-old’s move to west London comes after he rolled back the years at Brighton last term.
The former United and England forward netted 14 goals and provided two assists across all competitions for Fabian Hurzeler’s team in 2025/26. Welbeck’s performances at the Amex Stadium helped them qualify for the Europa Conference League.
And the frontman will now be pulling on the blue of Chelsea in 2026/27 after agreeing a contract with Alonso’s men until 2028. The experienced striker is expected to join up with his new team-mates on their pre-season tour.
Welbeck has shared his pride at joining the Stamford Bridge club after his move was confirmed on Saturday evening.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page
He said: “When you hear of the interest from Chelsea, it’s something that fills you with such immense pride. Knowing the history of Chelsea, it’s a club that wants to win trophies and is pushing to do that every single season.
“I’m really honoured to come to a club of this stature at what feels like a really exciting time. I know a few of the boys already and I’ve had fantastic conversations with the manager and already feel that connection. I’ve got that fire in my belly and I’m ready to give it everything for this club to make everyone at Chelsea, and the supporters, proud.”
The former Arsenal player’s move comes despite a plea on social media from former Reds team-mate Ferdinand for him to rejoin United instead.
Posting on X on Monday, the 47-year-old said: “Welbs…. Ignore + come back home! Champions League football next season in Manchester.”
And another former team-mate in ex-United captain Neville shared his view that the Reds should never have sold Welbeck over a decade ago
Speaking to Sky Sports on Thursday, he said: “I said 10 years ago that Manchester United should never have sold Danny Welbeck. He’s gone away and done brilliantly well.
“He’s coming into a little cameo at the end of his career, but he’s a fantastic player. I worked with him obviously as a team-mate, I worked with him with England as a coach and he was fantastic for England.
“And he’s been good in the Premier League as well. It’s a good move for Chelsea and it gives them a real option up front.”
The MEN understands there was some surprise among those close to Welbeck that United ultimately didn’t try to rival Chelsea for his signature this summer, but the reality is that there was never any approach.
Welbeck had grown frustrated during David Moyes’ reign at United in 2013/14, having frequently been forced to play on the left wing, where he felt he could not show his best qualities.
It soon also became clear that, were he to assume a central striker role under Moyes’ successor, Louis van Gaal, it would not be as the manager’s top choice, as he had not been named in any of his first three league starting line-ups.
He went on to join Premier League rivals Arsenal in August 2014 where he scored 32 goals in 126 appearances – winning two FA Cups under the guidance of Arsene Wenger.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login