RomeluLukaku was all set for Chelsea. The Blues were highly anticipating the return of one of the most prolific strikers back to Stamford Bridge… but then he decided to sign for Manchester United, one of Chelsea’s biggest rivals at the last moment. Ouch. Chelsea fans were far from happy with whatever happened but this isn’t the first time these two English giants got involved in each other’s business. In fact, Chelsea has done the same to United multiple times. From last moment snubs to allegations of kidnapping (we kid you not) here are 4 such occasions where Chelsea stole United’s thunder.
Eden Hazard (2012)
Chelsea’s star man was the most sought after young talent and one of football’s hottest properties in Europe back in 2012. Manchester United was among the teams interested but the Belgian decided to sign for the then European Champions instead.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
Arjen Robben (2004)
Throwback to when Robben was a young up and coming winger who had hair and was on the verge of signing for Manchester United but then Chelsea stole the Dutch starlet under the Red Devils’ nose.
Source: performgroup.com
Pedro Eliezer Rodríguez Ledesma (2016)
The second most recent transfer saga involving two of the most decorated teams in England. Everyone was awaiting the then Barcelona winger’s announcement of joining United but then Jose Mourinho intervened and Pedro signed for Chelsea instead.
Source: mirror.co.uk
John Obi Mikel (2005)
One of the most bizarre transfer stories in league football; a nineteen-year-old Mikel signed for United and also appeared in a press conference sporting their shirt. All seemed fine till Chelsea claimed that they had already signed the Nigerian beforehand and the midfielder mysteriously disappeared from his hotel in Norway with claims of a kidnapping taking place. Mikel eventually turned up in a Chelsea kit.
Source: metrouk2
