Former Manchester United full-back Denis Irwin believes Chelsea were thanking Nemanja Matic by granting him a move to Manchester United.
Matic joined United for an initial £40million fee on Monday and the midfielder could make his United debut against Sampdoria on Wednesday evening.
It is the second time Jose Mourinho's transfer activity has impacted Antonio Conte's plans this summer after United hijacked Chelsea's deal for Romelu Lukaku in July.
Chelsea agreed a club-record deal for Alvaro Morata instead, and later allowed Matic his move to a direct rival.
“I was a little bit surprised by the fact Chelsea are selling to their rivals who will be challenging for the Premier League next year,” Irwin told talkSPORT.
“But Matic has done a fantastic job for Chelsea over the last few years and I suppose it was a bit of a thank you [to let him join United]."
Matic becomes the first Chelsea player since Juan Mata to make the move to Old Trafford from Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho was the selling manager when Mata made that switch, but this time he is raiding his former club.
And Irwin believes it is a smart acquisition as Manchester United prepare for a return to Champions League football after one season away.
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He added: “Manchester United have got a tremendous player, a tremendous holding player, and they’ve needed somebody of that ilk.
“I think it’s a very good signing.”