Ferdinand Slams Manchester United’s Decision to Sell Premier League Star
Rio Ferdinand has unleashed his fury on Manchester United’s decision to sell a key Premier League player, labelling it a "shock" that left him "lost for words".
The former United defender spoke out on TNT Sports, revealing that he never understood why the Red Devils allowed the player to leave the club. "I watched him as a young kid at Manchester United and he was a wonderful player," Ferdinand said. "I couldn’t believe it when United agreed to let him go because I thought he had so much value, not only as a player but just around the place as well as a former academy player."
The player in question is none other than Danny Welbeck, who has just scored his 100th career goal for Brighton & Hove Albion. Welbeck began his career at United’s academy at the age of eight and went on to make 142 appearances for the club. He played a key role in their title win in 2012-13, under Sir Alex Ferguson.
But in a surprise move, United sold Welbeck to Arsenal in 2014, a decision that has left many United fans scratching their heads. Rio Ferdinand, who played alongside Welbeck at United, was equally stunned. "I think he’s someone who players who have played against him respect more than some fans who don’t quite realise how difficult he is to play against," he said. "He’s a great professional too."
Former England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole agreed with Ferdinand, stating that players like Welbeck and Jonny Evans were invaluable to United’s squad. "We saw players like Welbeck and Jonny Evans leave Manchester United and they’ve gone on to have good Premier League careers," Cole said. "They would have been invaluable to have around at United I think. That’s one of the reasons they’ve been in the shadows for such a long time."
With Manchester United struggling to find consistency in the Premier League, it’s a mystery why they let go of a talented player like Welbeck. It’s a decision that has come back to haunt them, as Welbeck continues to thrive at Brighton & Hove Albion.
What do you think, 90min readers? Should Manchester United have held on to Danny Welbeck? Let us know in the comments!
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