Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United should've bought Danny Welbeck back to Old Trafford in this summer's transfer window.
The forward played a crucial role in Brighton's shock win at Old Trafford on Sunday as he lead the line on his own against Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire. Welbeck began his senior career at United back in 2008, with Sir Alex Ferguson handing him his debut.
It was Louis van Gaal who deemed him surplus to requirements and the England international headed to Arsenal, where he spent five years. He's since played for Watford and is now a regular for the Seagulls. The Red Devils meanwhile are in the market for a striker but have so far failed to find anyone.
Ferdinand, who was previously teammates with Welbeck, is in no doubt that the forward could prove an asset for the Red Devils. "Danny Welbeck would have started today for Man United," he said on Vibe with Five after United's opening weekend loss. "Welbeck walked out of that tunnel and you could see, shoulders back, chest out, thinking: 'I'm going to terrorise these two.' That's how he played.
"He looked like prime-time Danny Welbeck against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu 10 years ago, mad. He was a free in the summer because he didn't have a contract. I'd have took [sic] him. On today's performance, no doubt." Last term Welbeck scored six times having notched 29 goals during his United days.
United played without a recognised striker on Sunday as Christian Eriksen occupied a false 9 role. Cristiano Ronaldo was introduced after the break, but his future at the club remains uncertain given his desire to leave. Edinson Cavani left earlier in the summer.
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Ferdinand is adamant that Welbeck would serve as a solid option, as he could also help some of the team's creative players. He added: "If you want a back-up striker, you wouldn’t go far wrong with Danny Welbeck. Say to him he'll play 15-20 games a season, filling in for Cristiano, gives you the legs, the willing movement behind defenders, frees up the space for the likes of Bruno [Fernandes]."
United have recently been linked with Cody Gakpo, who has enjoyed a rapid rise at PSV Eindhoven. Teenage star Benjamin Sesko was touted with an Old Trafford switch but he has swapped Red Bull Salzburg for RB Leipzig. Antony, who played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, is another option but his hefty price tag could prove to be an issue.
