Rio Ferdinand says Man Utd sold England’s second best striker after Harry Kane

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United might have had England’s second best number nine after Harry Kane, but he was sold ruthlessly.

Thomas Tuchel’s England squads this season haven’t had a single Manchester United player involved, but the November international break may see that trend change.

Luke Shaw has been in excellent form for United, which may see him fly the Red Devils flag, but he could be joined by some former players who have left Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford could be there, while on current form, England’s Harry Kane alternative might be another ex-Carrington talent who is aging like a fine wine.

Rio Ferdinand hails Danny Welbeck

Over the past few weeks, Danny Welbeck has been in impressive form for Brighton, which even saw him score against United during Saturday’s 4-2 Old Trafford classic.

Welbeck might earn himself a return to the England fold with this, and it would be something Rio Ferdinand would like to see.

Speaking on his ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ YouTube channel, the legendary defender suggested Welbeck is England’s second best striker.

“He’s second to Harry Kane. No, seriously. If you’re talking form right now and if the squad is being picked tomorrow, Danny Welbeck has to go. No experience can do different types of things on the pitch for you.

“He can run behind if need be. Like we saw even at Old Trafford at the weekend, he can run behind.

“He can come short and link play as well as anybody outside of Harry Kane. Like he’s an all-round footballer.”

United sold Welbeck for £16m under Louis van Gaal who didn’t give the then young striker much of a chance to prove himself.

Every year when United face Welbeck, it re-emerges what a mistake it was.

Danny Welbeck goal record since Sir Alex Ferguson retired vs Manchester United players

Selling Welbeck was a mistake, as the Carrington graduate would have been an excellent player to have over the past decade, even if he wasn’t a starter.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, Welbeck has scored 87 goals across four clubs – 10 United, 32 Arsenal, three Watford and 42 Brighton – which ranks him fourth when compared to United’s top scorers since then.

• Marcus Rashford – 138
• Bruno Fernandes 100
• Anthony Martial – 90
• Danny Welbeck – 87

Following this was Wayne Rooney with 57, something that demonstrates Welbeck’s underrated quality and he should really have been retained.

Having Welbeck to add 8-10 goals per season would only have been a positive considering some of the terrible forwards that United have signed over the years.