RIO Ferdinand says Manchester United missed a trick in not re-signing Albion star Danny Welbeck this summer.

Brighton beat United 2-1 in Erik-ten Hag's first league game in charge, with Welbeck providing an assist for Pascal Gross's first goal.

Following the match, the former United captain has said he “would have taken” the Albion forward at his old club.

The 31-year-old forward started his career at Old Trafford, scoring 29 goals in 142 games for the Red Devils from 2008 to 2014.

He was available to sign as a free transfer over the summer before signing a contract extension at the Amex in June.

“Danny Welbeck would have started today for Man United,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five podcast.

“Welbeck walked out of that tunnel, shoulders back, chest out, and you could see he was thinking he would terrorise that team. That's how he played today.

“He looked like primetime Danny Welbeck at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid.”

Welbeck scored a crucial goal in United's 1-1 away draw with Real Madrid in 2013, and in the process became the first Englishman to score for a Premier League side at the Bernabeu since 2001.

When asked if he would have taken Welbeck at Man United this season, Ferdinand said: “On today's performance, no doubt.  If you wanted a back-up striker you wouldn't go wrong with Danny Welbeck.

“You tell him he'll play 15 to 20 games across the season, fill in for Cristiano [Ronaldo], give us the legs and give us the movement.

“He can get in behind and creates the space for the likes of Bruno [Fernandes].”

Manchester United started Christian Eriksen as a makeshift striker on Sunday due to an injury to Anthony Martial and concerns over Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness.