Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the Premier League match on the south coast, Ferdinand praised Welbeck and stated it was a mistake for United to sell him. “Nothing surprises me with Danny Welbeck,” the Old Trafford legend remarked when asked about his former teammate’s abilities.“I watched him as a young kid at Manchester United, and he was a fantastic player. I couldn’t believe it when United decided to let him go, as I thought he brought immense value—not just as a player, but also as a former academy player around the club.”
He continued, “I think players who have faced him respect him more than some fans, who don’t realize how tough he is to play against. He’s also a true professional.”
He continued, “I think players who have faced him respect him more than some fans, who don’t realize how tough he is to play against. He’s also a true professional.”
Former England midfielder Joe Cole echoed Ferdinand’s view, adding, “We saw players like Welbeck and Jonny Evans leave Manchester United, and they’ve gone on to have strong Premier League careers. I think they would have been invaluable at United, and that’s one reason the club has been in the shadows for so long.”
“Danny Welbeck is a tremendous, tremendous player.”
Winger Amad Diallo scored for Manchester United to equalize after Welbeck’s first-half goal, but the Red Devils were on the receiving end of one of the “most unfortunate offside calls ever.” Adding to United manager Erik ten Hag’s frustrations, Brighton then grabbed an injury-time winner through Joao Pedro.
“First, I’m very happy for the win,” Pedro told TNT Sports after his late goal secured Brighton six points from two games. “I think this goal shows how much we wanted to win, our first home game against a big team. I couldn’t feel better than I do today. The team performed well, and now we need to rest because we have another big game next weekend.”
Rio Ferdinand also commented on Brighton’s open space at the back post for their winning goal, saying, “You cannot allow that to happen at this level… The disallowed goal was the turning point of the match. There was also a lapse in concentration in defense. You can’t let that happen.”
Rio Ferdinand, speaking to TNT Sports ahead of Manchester United’s match against Brighton, expressed regret over the club’s decision to sell Danny Welbeck. He praised Welbeck as a valuable player and former academy graduate, emphasizing his worth both on and off the pitch. Ferdinand noted that while fans may underestimate Welbeck’s abilities, players who face him respect his toughness and professionalism.
Joe Cole supported Ferdinand’s view, adding that letting go of players like Welbeck and Jonny Evans was a mistake for Manchester United, contributing to the club’s struggles in recent years.
In the match itself, Manchester United’s Amad Diallo equalized after Welbeck’s goal, but a controversial offside call and a late strike from Brighton’s Joao Pedro sealed a win for Brighton. Ferdinand criticized United’s defensive lapse that led to the winning goal, highlighting it as a key moment in the game.
