Copyright Yardbarker
Rio Ferdinand slams Manchester United for letting Danny Welbeck leave Old Trafford Manchester United have often looked back at some of their past decisions in their illustrious history, but there have been very few that have drawn more conversation than the one where they let Danny Welbeck leave Old Trafford. The 34-year-old striker had a connection to cherish with the fans. The Englishman grew up in Manchester, evolved through the academy and donned the United shirt with utmost pride. However, with changes in personnel and shifting tactical ideas, the Red Devils sold him to Premier League club Arsenal for £16 million back in 2014. It was purely a business deal, but the decision is still attracting conversation even today. In this regard, former United defender Rio Ferdinand, who shared the dressing room with the now 34-year-old centre-forward, has reignited the old debate. Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, he criticised United’s hierarchy for not stepping in when Louis van Gaal decided to let the forward leave. Ferdinand called it a “balls-up” and argued that United should have protected a player who embodied their culture. Van Gaal justified the move by comparing Welbeck to Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, and Radamel Falcao, saying those players set the standard. Welbeck’s loyalty and discipline, however, made the sale sting for those who valued homegrown commitment over numbers. Eleven years later, the Brighton forward still proves his worth. He scored again against his former club at Old Trafford, even though United won 4-2. “I think he should’ve stayed at Man United, obviously, sometimes it’s not his decision.” “I think it was an absolute balls-up that they actually let him leave the football club.” “A Manchester boy, loves the club, a great kid, never a day’s trouble for anybody at the football club, never gets into trouble, his nose is always clean, got a nice way about him, great family… what are you selling him for?” “If the manager had come in, I think it might have been Van Gaal, whoever came in and said, ‘you can go’, you say, ‘no, no, this one is out of your hands, mate, this ain’t for you, you don’t know the detail behind this one, leave this to us’, and he’s in, he’s staying with us.” “That’s what should have happened with Danny Welbeck.” “He’s a class act on and off the pitch, a great guy.” Quote via Metro A missed lesson and a modern reflection Ferdinand’s criticism hits deeper than nostalgia. It exposes how United, in chasing short-term results, have ignored players who reflect the club’s soul. Welbeck might never have matched Rooney’s record, but he understood United’s rhythm and work ethic. Letting him go for Falcao showed how easily the club traded identity for reputation. Welbeck’s performance against United last week reminded fans what they lost. He curled home a free-kick that showed his persistence. United’s early dominance muted his threat, but he never gave up. Welbeck’s late surge sparked Brighton’s brief comeback, even as Patrick Dorgu faced criticism for his struggles in that same match. The 34-year-old’s determination revived memories of the player who once ran through defences for Ferguson. United fans might now question whether the club ever replaced that spirit. Ferdinand’s words reopened an old wound and forced supporters to reflect on how many others like Welbeck slipped away. Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo said Matheus Cunha’s breakthrough goal against Brighton lifted the pressure off him, and those words show how moments of persistence can rebuild belief.
