Andy Cole revealed that Manchester United should have got the Liverpool number ‘9’ to sign on the dotted line for the Old Trafford club before Torres joined the Merseysiders from Atletico Madrid. The second-highest goalscorer in Premier league history with 187 goals, also claimed that several current members of the Man U squad share his view. "Not signing Torres was a mistake because I've spoke to several of the current United players about him and they all say the same thing: 'Top, top player.'

The ex-England striker, who was surprised at how fast the Spaniard adapted to English football, believes Fernando is a dead-ringer for Liverpool legend Ian Rush. "Torres stunned me when he arrived from Atletico Madrid because he settled so quickly. The Premier League is totally different to the Primera Liga, but you wouldn't know it watching Torres. He reminds me of that great Liverpool goalscorer Ian Rush. He seems to drift in and out of games while always remaining a threat. At times, Torres can make out he's almost uninterested, and then tunes in, just like that, and he's away with the ball with fantastic pace.”

Fernando Torres has scored two goals in his last two appearances against Manchester United, but it’s the Spaniard’s all-round game that has most impressed Andy Cole. "Torres's game isn't just about the box, but he's most dangerous there because his close control allows him to take possession in confined areas. He can transfer the ball from foot to foot to create space to get in a shot."

Andy Cole, who played professional football for 12 clubs, in a career that spanned 19 years, is most remembered for his spell at Manchester United (1995-2001) and his successful partnership with Dwight Yorke. During his time at Man U, Cole won five Premier Leagues (1995/96, 1996/97, 1998/99, 1999/00, 2000/01), two F.A.Cups (1996, 1997), two Charity Shields (1996, 1997) one Champions League (1998/99), one European Super Cup (1999) and one Intercontinental Trophy (1999).