Brighton striker told he would 'start for Manchester United' by Rio Ferdinand

The ex-England star watched on as his United team were beaten by the Seagulls on the opening day of the Premier League season at Old Trafford.

Pascal Gross may have claimed the plaudits for is brace, but Welbeck's tireless performance for Graham Potter's side was exceptional.

The former England and Manchester United striker proved to be a constant thorn in the side of United as he created many dangerous moments, including the the pass for the first goal.

At his best - Welbeck impressed for Albion against Manchester United

The performance by Welbeck inspired Ferdinand to suggest that he would have started for the side if he had returned to the club.

On Vibe with Five, he said: "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.

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"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.

"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."

Welbeck has re-established himself at Albion as a Premier League quality striker after a difficult spell with Watford and is so far managing to keep strikers Neal Maupay and Deniz Undav out of the team.