Gary Neville criticizes Man Utd for selling Danny Welbeck in 2014
- Danny Welbeck, a former Manchester United academy product, was sold to Arsenal in 2014 after being deemed surplus to requirements by then-manager Louis van Gaal.
- Welbeck has since had a successful career, making 126 appearances for Arsenal and later playing for Watford and Brighton, where he has recently been in good form.
- Gary Neville argues that Welbeck should never have been sold, while Roy Keane contends that a player's success elsewhere does not necessarily reflect their suitability for Manchester United.
In 2014, Manchester United made the controversial decision to sell Danny Welbeck to Arsenal, a move that has sparked debate among football pundits. Welbeck, who had risen through the ranks at United and made a notable debut under Sir Alex Ferguson, was viewed as surplus to requirements by new manager Louis van Gaal. This decision came despite Welbeck's potential and previous contributions to the team, including a memorable goal on his debut. After leaving United, Welbeck enjoyed a productive career at Arsenal, where he made 126 appearances over five seasons. Following a brief stint at Watford, he joined Brighton in 2020, helping the club establish itself in the Premier League. His recent performances have drawn attention, with many noting his improved form under Brighton's new manager, Fabian Hurzeler. The debate surrounding Welbeck's sale has reignited discussions among former players, particularly between Gary Neville and Roy Keane. Neville argues that Welbeck's talent and current form indicate he should have remained at United, while Keane counters that a player's success at another club does not necessarily mean they were good enough for United. This ongoing discussion highlights the complexities of player management and the challenges clubs face in balancing squad depth with individual talent. The contrasting views of Neville and Keane reflect the broader sentiment among fans regarding player retention and the long-term impact of transfer decisions.