According to a report by Metro on Wednesday, July 29, Gary Neville has criticised Manchester United’s decision-making after Chelsea moved closer to completing deals for experienced Premier League figures Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.
Chelsea’s summer transfer strategy has taken a major turn under new head coach Xabi Alonso, with the club moving away from a focus solely on young talents and looking to add experienced players who can provide leadership and stability.
The Blues have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Welbeck from Brighton, with the veteran striker set to bring years of Premier League experience to Stamford Bridge. Henderson is also being targeted by Chelsea after reportedly leaving Brentford, with the midfielder viewed as another experienced figure who can help guide the club’s young squad.
Neville believes adding senior professionals is exactly what Chelsea have been missing in recent seasons. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Manchester United defender explained that the club’s lack of experience has affected their performances both on and off the pitch.
“It’s a big shift. It’s one we’ve all been asking for,” Neville said. “There’s inexperience right throughout the club, right from the ownership to the sporting department to the managers.”
The former England international believes players such as Welbeck and Henderson can provide the type of leadership that successful teams usually have.
“They act as guardians of good behaviours, responsibilities and disciplines in the dressing room,” Neville explained. “It’s not magic, it’s something that all top teams have had for many, many decades.”
Neville also aimed criticism at Manchester United for allowing Welbeck to leave the club in 2014. The striker came through United’s academy before joining Arsenal and later rebuilding his career with Brighton, where he became an important Premier League player.
“I said ten years ago that Manchester United should never have sold Danny Welbeck. He’s gone away and done brilliantly well,” Neville said.
The former United defender believes Chelsea’s move for Welbeck shows the importance of having experienced players around younger talents. He also believes Henderson’s winning mentality could have a similar impact if the midfielder completes his move to Stamford Bridge.
“They’re still good players, they can contribute maybe 25 to 35 games a season at a good level,” Neville added. “But what they will do is make sure those young players turn up every single day, give their all and maintain those standards.”
With Alonso preparing for his first full season in charge, Chelsea are aiming to create a squad with a better balance of youth and experience. Neville believes the additions of Welbeck and Henderson could help the club develop the mentality needed to compete at the highest level.
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