Former Manchester United and Tottenham forward Garth Crooks has blasted Chelsea manager Antonio Conte for selling midfielder Nemanja Matic during the summer.

Despite having been an important part of the Chelsea side last season, Conte surprisingly agreed to sell Matic during the summer when Jose Mourinho came calling.

Conte's side have been underwhelming in their defence of the Premier League title this term and are currently 25 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

"Can anyone explain why Antonio Conte sold Matic to one of his main rivals?" Crooks asked when picking his team of the week for the BBC.

"I didn't understand it at the time and it makes even less sense to me now.

"Against Brighton the Serbia international was imperious.

"Matic is not a star and refuses to crave the limelight in the same manner as Paul Pogba for example - although there is nothing wrong with that if you are performing.

"However Matic joining United has left Chelsea, and more importantly Conte, exposed and placed United in a much more favourable position.

"Exceptionally poor judgement by Conte."