Manchester United told they should have re-signed Danny Welbeck this summer

Manchester United should have signed Danny Welbeck in the summer transfer window, according to former player Rio Ferdinand. 

Welbeck, who played for United between 2008-2014 started up front for Brighton and tormented Erik ten Hag’s defence to help seal a famous 2-1 win for Graham Potter’s side. 

The 31-year-old’s speed and movement wreaked havoc all afternoon, with the likes of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez well off the pace. 

A first half brace by Pascal Gross stunned the Old Trafford crowd into utter silence as Ten Hag got off to the worst possible start in his bid to rebuild United.

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Former Red Devil, Ferdinand has said his old club should have snapped up Welbeck earlier in the summer. 

He said on Vibe with Five: “Danny Welbeck would have started today for Man United. 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 him. On today’s performance, no doubt.” 

Ferdinand claimed that Welbeck would have been an ideal back up striker for Cristiano Ronaldo. 

The former centre back 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.” 

United’s forward options are a little bare at the moment as Anthony Martial is currently injured, whilst want away star Ronaldo is yet to be match fit. 

The club however, are still working around the clock in order to add more strength in depth to the squad. It was reported on Monday afternoon that a deal has been agreed with Juventus to bring French midfielder Adrien Rabiot to Old Trafford. United are also said to be working on a deal to sign former West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic from Serie A side Bologna.

Who will United bring in before the end of the transfer window? Only time will tell.