Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes the Red Devils should have re-signed Danny Welbeck, with the striker experiencing a ‘purpura’ in recent years.
With Benjamin Sesco struggling to adapt to the Premier League in his first season, Ruben Amorim’s side could actually use a goalscorer like Welbeck at this point.
Welbeck has scored six goals in the Premier League in 10 appearances for Brighton this season, all six of which have come in his last five league games.
The former Arsenal and Man United striker scored again at the weekend as Brighton beat Leeds 3-0 in the Premier League, moving them up to 10th place.
And Rooney is so happy for his former Old Trafford team-mate that he believes Man United probably regret not signing the Seagulls star in recent seasons.
Rooney said on the BBC’s podcast: “I’m so excited. He’s on fire. I really love Daniel, I love him.”
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“He’s a very good player in the Premier League. Man United should have brought him back because he scores goals and works hard.”
“I think over the last few years I really wanted him back. I think United are on a different path now and have hopefully turned a corner.”
“But I’ve wanted him back for the last few years. He seems to have settled in at Brighton so I just hope he keeps scoring goals and gives himself the best chance to get back into the England squad.”
Asked what he thought of Welbeck when they were team-mates at Manchester United, Rooney added: “He was great. A very nice guy, to be honest. He was a great guy.”
“He pressed really high, was aggressive and fast. He was really smart, had good feet and scored goals. I can’t praise him enough.”
“He’s had injuries in his career that probably hindered him a little bit, but he seems fit and capable now.”
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England lack a solid back-up if Harry Kane is injured ahead of the World Cup, and Rooney insists Welbeck must be in manager Thomas Tuchel’s thoughts.
Rooney continued: “He has purpura at the moment and has put himself in a position where manager Thomas Tuchel definitely has to keep an eye on him.”
“Next to Harry Kane, he’s probably the best or most in-form striker in England, so he’s giving himself a chance.
“I’m not saying that Daniel would be happy to be on the bench, but other players might want to push Kane into the starting lineup, which I don’t think is realistic, but Daniel could also use that experience in the team, like Jordan Henderson.
“But he also has the ability to come on and make a big impact. Thomas Tuchel definitely needs to keep an eye on him, for sure.”
“We’re not going to call up Harry Kane for the next international break and rest him and check other players like Welbeck, Watkins and Toney.
“Tuchel needs to check some of these players because there are not many chances left before the World Cup.”
