Juventus were expected to bid for Matic over the summer. They did touch base over a potential £35 million offer, but the follow-up contact never arrived. This opened the door to United.

They had already beaten Chelsea to the signing of Romelu Lukaku, and while some felt that may stop the Blues from dealing with United, it simply meant they would definitely not let him leave on the cheap.

His price was set at £40 million and if United wanted him, they would have to pay it.

So when United put the offer on the table, owner Roman Abramovich gave the go-ahead.

There are two main reasons why it was allowed to go through.

The first is obvious: United met the asking price. Second, though, Abramovich was satisfied that Chelsea had enjoyed the best years of Matic's career and, after two titles in three years, he deserved the move he wanted.

"Taken in isloation, it is great business," Johnson said. "They sold a 29-year-old for £40 million and signed his direct replacement, who is seven years younger. That is classic Chelsea in the modern era."

Chelsea feel Bakayoko is going to be a better, more agile player as they move forward.