Danny Welbeck joins Arsenal: Gary Neville criticises Manchester United as he 'can't understand' how Arsenal signed Welbeck for £16m

The 23-year-old completed a deadline day transfer to United's rival and Neville feels that the club should have demanded more in the current state of the transfer market

Danny Welbeck was signed by Arsenal at the last minute amid chaos about who his agent was (Getty Images)

Former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville admits he cannot understand why the club sold Danny Welbeck for £16million to Barclays Premier League rivals Arsenal.

After 15 years at Old Trafford, Welbeck joined the Gunners on transfer deadline day after falling behind Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and new arrival Radamel Falcao in the United striker pecking order.

The 23-year-old striker scored both goals in England's 2-0 win against Switzerland in their opening Euro 2016 qualifier in Basle on Monday and Three Lions coach Neville has questioned the logic in letting him go to a rival for a relatively small transfer fee.

"I can't work it out," Neville, who played 602 times for the Red Devils, told TalkSport.

"After all the prices I've seen paid this summer, and obviously I've been working with him the last week, I'm thinking how is it just £16million?

"There's been right-backs and left-backs galore who have been bought for £15million this summer. How have they got him for £16million?

"I can't work it out to this day, it's a strange one. It really does feel strange that it's a centre-forward and actually it's helped out a competitor, someone who will be vying for those third and fourth places with United this season.

"I'm struggling to understand the logic behind the deal in two or three ways really."

Welbeck admitted after Monday's match that he was relishing the chance of playing in a central role more regularly - having often played out wide during his United career - and is confident in his ability to find the back of the net.

"It is well known I prefer to play through the middle so when I get my opportunity I just want to show what I can do," he said.

Neville has criticised the decision to sell Welbeck for £16m (Sky Sports)

"Once I get into the box and get the opportunities I have got faith in my ability.

"Listen, anyone can say what they want to say but I just know once I get the opportunity and a run of games up front I will do my best."

PA