The Big Man United Mistake That Could Help Chelsea Challenge Arsenal Michael Owen

The Big Man United Mistake That Could Help Chelsea Challenge Arsenal Michael Owen Former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen believes a transfer mistake made by Manchester United could help Chelsea mount a serious challenge for Arsenal in the 2026/27 Premier League title race. Owen singled out João Pedro, who Manchester United reportedly failed to pursue during his time at Watford. Chelsea eventually signed the Brazilian forward from Brighton for £60 million in 2025, and he has since become a key part of their attack. “I’m a huge Pedro fan, I think he’s unbelievable,” Owen said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, arguing that United should have signed the forward several years ago when he was at Watford. Pedro enjoyed an impressive first season at Chelsea, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists in 35 Premier League appearances. His performances reportedly attracted interest from Barcelona, but Chelsea rejected an £86 million offer and regard the forward as an important part of their plans. Although Arsenal remain among the favourites after winning the 2025/26 Premier League title, Owen believes Chelsea could emerge as serious challengers.

One of Chelsea’s biggest advantages is their lack of European football this season. Owen believes the absence of midweek European fixtures will give new manager Xabi Alonso considerably more time to work with his squad. The former Liverpool star also pointed to Chelsea’s attacking options, particularly the combination of Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, as a reason for optimism.

Chelsea finished 10th last season and missed out on European qualification, but Owen believes that disappointment could ultimately work in their favour. “They’ve got no European football to concentrate on and there’s some good players there,” Owen said, predicting that Chelsea “could have a big season. For Manchester United, meanwhile, Pedro’s development represents a reminder of an opportunity the club missed. The Brazilian is now one of Chelsea’s most valuable attacking players and could play a significant role in their attempt to close the gap on Arsenal. If Owen’s prediction proves correct, United’s failure to act on Pedro’s potential could indirectly help Chelsea challenge the reigning champions for the Premier League crown.