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Rio Ferdinand admits he ‘can’t believe’ Manchester United sold Danny Welbeck as the forward continues to impress in the Premier League at Brighton.
Welbeck joined United’s academy at the age of eight and went on to make more than 100 appearances for his boyhood club, winning the Premier League under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The former England international was surprisingly sold to Premier League rivals Arsenal in 2014 and has spent the last five seasons at Brighton.
Welbeck, now 33, has been a mainstay in the Brighton team in recent years and scored his 100th career goal on Saturday in the 2-1 win over his former club Manchester United.
Speaking on TNT Sports before the Premier League clash on the south coast, Ferdinand waxed lyrical about Welbeck and said it was a mistake for United to sell him.
‘Nothing surprises me with Danny Welbeck,’ the Old Trafford legend said when asked about his former team-mate’s credentials.
‘I watched him as a young kid at Manchester United and he was a wonderful player.
‘I couldn’t believe it when United agreed to let him go because I thought he had so much value, not only as a player but just around the place as well as a former academy player.
‘I think he’s someone who players who have played against him respect more than some fans who don’t quite realise how difficult he is to play against. He’s a great professional too.’
Ex-England midfielder Joe Cole echoed Ferdinand’s sentiment, adding: ‘We saw players like Welbeck and Jonny Evans leave Manchester United and they’ve gone on to have good Premier League careers.
‘They would have been invaluable to have around at United I think. That’s one of the reasons they’ve been in the shadows for such a long time.
‘Danny Welbeck is a fantastic, fantastic player.’
Winger Amad Diallo equalised for Manchester United following Welbeck’s first-half opener before the Red Devils were on the wrong end of one of the ‘most unlucky offside calls ever’.
In another blow to United boss Erik ten Hag, Brighton then scored an injury-time winner through Joao Pedro.
‘First I’m very happy for the win,’ Pedro told TNT Sports after his late goal put Brighton on six points after two games.
‘I think this goal at the end shows how much we wanted to win the game, first game at home against a big team.
‘I cannot feel better than today. I think the team did well and now we need to rest because we have another big game next weekend.’
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