Wayne Rooney says he would like to see former striker, 34, at Man Utd as Zirkzee and Hojlund misfire again...

WAYNE ROONEY has admitted that he'd like to see Danny Welbeck still playing for Manchester United.

The Red Devils academy graduate, 34, played alongside Rooney at Old Trafford between 2008 and 2014.

Having been well thought of by Sir Alex Ferguson, Welbeck fell down the pecking order following the legendary Scot's departure and was subsequently sold by Louis van Gaal.

Following stints with Arsenal and Watford, the former England international has thrived at Brighton.

The veteran netted the winning goal for the Seagulls at Newcastle earlier today and Rooney gushed over his ability.

Sitting at Old Trafford working as a BBC pundit for United's FA Cup clash with Fulham, the former Man Utd captain said: "Danny's great to play alongside.

"If I'm completely honest I'd probably like to still see him here, playing for Manchester United.

"He's scored goals throughout his career. He had injuries in the early part of his career but he seems to have got over them and he's having a fantastic season."

Welbeck has scored seven goals in 25 Premier League appearances this season.

That is more than Rasmus Hojlund (two) and Joshua Zirkzee (three) have managed combined this term.

Both of United's misfiring forwards failed to find the net today as their side crashed out of the FA Cup.

Hojlund, 22, was replaced by Chido Obi on 68 minutes following an ineffective display.

While Zirkzee played the full 120 minutes before missing a crucial penalty in the shoot-out.

Rooney, 39, was encouraged by Obi's latest cameo.

He said: "What I’ve really liked about him is he’s put himself in some really good positions — I’ve been really impressed by him.

"He looked like the one who could go on and nick it."