Ashley Young ‘gutted’ Man United did not hijack Premier League rivals’ transfer

Ashley Young is the latest Manchester United legend to express his disappointment at Danny Welbeck’s move to Chelsea.

The striker signed a two-year deal at Stamford Bridge last month after enjoying a superb season at Brighton.

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Young and Welbeck shared the Old Trafford dressing room for three seasons towards the end of Alex Ferguson’s reign in charge before the striker was eventually sold to Arsenal.

Welbeck has gone on to enjoy a fruitful career with spells at the Emirates Stadium before stints at Sunderland, Watford and more recently, Brighton.

The 35-year-old posted arguably his best season at the Amex Stadium last season, netting 14 goals, sparking calls for him to be included in England’s World Cup squad.

Welbeck was unable to do enough to break into Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad; however, his efforts were hugely appreciated by new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso.

And while Young is pleased for his former teammate, he expressed some regret that Welbeck was unable to secure a move back to the Red Devils.

“They’ve (Chelsea) made some good signings and they need some experience in that squad,” Young told talkSPORT at the launch of the Topps Flagship Premier League 2026/27 set.

“He’s a really good friend of mine, Welbs is. I’ve been speaking to him the last couple of weeks.”

Asked whether Welbeck was excited ahead of the new season at Stamford Bridge, Young said: “Yeah, of course he is. He’s delighted to be signing for Chelsea, especially at this stage of his career.

“He’s proved himself time and time again.

“Could he have been on the plane going to the World Cup? For me, I’m probably being biased in saying he should have, but he wasn’t.

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“He’s been fantastic and I’m gutted he hasn’t gone back to United, to be honest.”

Prior to his switch to west London, former United defender Rio Ferdinand sent out a desperate plea for the star to return to Old Trafford.

Posting on X, Ferdinand wrote: “Welbs…. Ignore + come back home! Champions League football next season in Manchester.”

The sentiment was echoed by ex-Manchester United captain Gary Neville, who claimed the club should never have sold him to Arsenal in 2014.

“I said ten years ago that Manchester United should never have sold Danny Welbeck. He’s gone away and done brilliantly well,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“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.

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“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.”

After breaking through from the club’s academy under Ferguson, Welbeck quickly became disillusioned under David Moyes in the 2013/14 season.

Part of that frustration came from being played on the left wing, where he was unable to show his true qualities.

Opportunities as a central striker were further restricted under Louis van Gaal, and Welbeck was banished to the bench for the Dutchman’s first three matches in charge.

That led to his eventual move to Arsenal, where he went on to score 32 goals, helping Arsene Wenger’s side lift the FA Cup twice.