Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has slammed former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal for selling Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverly to Arsenal and Everton respectively.
The Dutchman didn’t rate both players during his reign at Old Trafford as he only involved Welbeck in just two matches before sanctioning his £16m move to the Emirates stadium in 2013.
As for Cleverly, the England international had a single appearance for the Red Devils under the Dutchman before being loaned out to Aston Villa.
Upon his return to the Old Trafford, van Gaal permanently parted ways with the defender when he sold him to Everton in 2013-14 season.
According to Ferdinand, selling the two United’s academy products was Van Gaal’s greatest undoing, considering their importance and the qualities they brought to the team.
He also claimed that both players wouldn’t have been sold if Ferguson was still at the helm of affairs.
“I’m fairly confident the likes of Clevs & Welbs who came through the Manchester United system would have been at the club longer if SAF (Sir Alex Ferguson) had stayed as manager,” Ferdinand said.
Since moving to the Emirates stadium, Danny Welbeck hasn’t shown much of his qualities, though, injury hasn’t been friendly to him.
Tom Cleverly continues to be a very strong and important defender for the Toffees since he made his switch to the Goodison Park.
Though van Gaal helped the Red Devils to FA Cup glory, the former Holland’s national team manager was shown the exit door after one season at Old Trafford.
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