Chelsea’s ‘horrendous’ decision to sell Nemanja Matic to Manchester United could cost Antonio Conte the title – Phil Neville

Phil Neville believes Chelsea’s ‘horrendous’ decision to sell Nemanja Matic to Manchester United could have cost Antonio Conte a shot at the title.

Despite helping the Blues win two titles in the space of three years, Matic was allowed to leave the club and join Jose Mourinho’s United last month.

The Serbian’s departure appeared to frustrate Conte, who admitted it was a ‘gross loss’ for the reigning Premier League champions.

Neville also fears it is a major blow to Chelsea’s title credentials and says Matic can flourish at Old Trafford.

‘I can’t think of a reason why Chelsea would sell him,’ Neville told Sky Sports.

‘If Nathaniel Chalobah or Ruben Loftus-Cheek were still there they could get rid of Matic and play a younger kid. You would applaud that but those players aren’t even at the club now.

‘They have weakened their own team and strengthened Manchester United, who now have a better chance of winning the Premier League than Chelsea.

‘United were crying out for a central midfielder with the qualities of Nemanja Matic. He is probably the best in England alongside N’Golo Kante.

‘Chelsea have broken up that partnership and strengthened their rivals. All of a sudden United are in the driving seat ahead of Chelsea to win the Premier League.’

Former Everton and United star Neville added: ‘Chelsea are weaker than last season – no Diego Costa, no Matic – and I’m concerned for them.

‘Is Tiemoue Bakayoko a similar type of player to Matic? Will he gel alongside Kante? Matic has intelligence and experience of the Premier League.

‘Bakayoko has not and I saw him in the Champions League last year. He was good in some games, inexperienced in others. He will take time to settle.

‘I think the [Matic] sale at this moment in time, with that Chelsea squad, could cost them the league.’

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