Speaking on the Tightrope to Football podcast, Gary Neville was full of praise for Welbeck's extraordinary performances of late. Neville stated that Welbeck's form has surpassed that of any striker in United's squad and is convinced that United should not have let the star go in the first place. Roy Keane reacted strongly, seriously questioning Neville and stating that just because a player has done well since leaving the club doesn't mean they should have been kept. Neville was not swayed and was convinced that Welbeck would be a key player if United expanded to a 24-man squad with the intention of keeping five or six strikers. Keane, however, was not convinced, suggesting that the brilliance of a player's post-departure career did not mean that they were good enough to compete in United's high-intensity competition. The two former United stars had a tit-for-tat debate on the subject, with each arguing his own point of view.
