The Brighton forward, 31, enjoyed a fine return to Old Trafford on the weekend as Brighton beat United.

For Ferdinand, Welbeck was back to his best and his performance against Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez reminded him of a Champions League display at Real Madrid a decade ago.

Given the striker was out of contract at Brighton ahead of the summer, Ferdinand was surprised that he was not an option for United.

He told 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.

“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.”