Danny Welbeck to Arsenal: Rio Ferdinand claims Manchester United were 'mad' to sell £16m striker

Welbeck joined the Gunners in £16m deadline day move

Danny Welbeck poses in his new Arsenal shirt (Getty Images)

Rio Ferdinand has claimed Manchester United were "mad" to sell Danny Welbeck to Arsenal.

Welbeck joined the Gunners in a dramatic £16m transfer deadline day move last week, and his former team-mate at United, Ferdinand, still cannot believe the striker was sold to their rivals.

Ferdinand himself left United over the summer to join Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer.

"I cannot believe United let Danny go, especially to Arsenal," Ferdinand said. "That seems mad to me.

"He's a real threat to defenders and, if Arsenal use him right, he will be very dangerous for them. That will be good news for England, too, because if he is playing regularly that has to benefit the national team.

"Danny has everything to be a top player. English football has yet to see what he can really do because he hasn't been getting a run of games.

"At Arsenal he will be the main man and I have no doubt he will flourish. Imagine the pace Arsenal will have when everyone is fit."

Danny Welbeck (left) and Rio Ferdinand pictured during Manchester United training last year (GETTY IMAGES)

Welbeck is expected to make his Arsenal debut at home against Manchester City on Saturday.