SIR Alex Ferguson made one of his biggest mistakes when failing to sign Fernando Torres, according to Andrew Cole.

Former United star Cole reckons Fergie missed out on the best striker on the planet when the Spain international moved to Liverpool in a £26m deal from Atletico Madrid two years ago.

But Cole also believes that in Wayne Rooney United have a player close to challenging Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as one of the finest in the world.

Ferguson took a long look at Torres when trying to find the man to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy's goals in 2006.

But he opted not to firm up his interest with an offer and Torres eventually became a record signing for Liverpool, establishing himself as one of the deadliest finishers in Europe.

He has gone on to score 60 goals in little over two seasons at Anfield and since been linked with a mega-money move to Old Trafford.

Liverpool boss, Rafael Benitez, this week insisted he would quit the Kop before allowing his star man to leave for any price. And Cole believes his former manager will be kicking himself for missing out on a man who has terrorised United with two goals in his last two games against them.

"I know Manchester United watched him closely, but decided that given the likely fee he wouldn't be good enough to play at Old Trafford," said Cole.

Judged

"United scouts judged him receiving the ball in all different positions and watched his reactions. We all make mistakes and not signing Torres was one because I've spoke to several of the current United players about him and they all say the same thing: `Top, top player.'

"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 goal-scorer 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.

"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."

While Ronaldo replaced van Nistelrooy's goal output, the Portuguese international's departure last summer has left a massive hole in United's attack.

Neither Dimitar Berbatov nor Michael Owen have shown signs of filling that goal void, which has prompted Ferguson to look at host of options at home and abroad.

Valencia's David Villa is a long-term target, Edin Dzeko of Wolfsburg is another option, while Carlton Cole is also interesting the United manager.

It remains to be seen if Ferguson will move to strengthen his forward line during the January transfer window or at the end of the season - but he has already voiced his concerns over United's lack of firepower.

With only 23 goals in the Premier League this term, they trail Arsenal (36), Chelsea (29) and Liverpool (27) in the scoring stakes.

With eight goals in all competitions, Rooney, has been one of the few attacking highlights since the departures of Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, but even he has managed only one goal in his last seven appearances.

Still, Cole is convinced the England international is close to being considered among the very best in the world.

"Wayne Rooney is a great forward," he said. "He can play centre forward, right and left wing.

Faultless

"He would probably play in net and do well - he actually plays in net a lot during training at Carrington.

"Rooney's work ethic is faultless, he plays for the team and he's got everything. When United look at young new players, they search for seven or eight key attributes.

"They'll usually sign a player if they have six. When they first saw Rooney at Everton they privately admitted that he had everything.

"United fans call him `the white Pele.' He's not at Pele's level, but Rooney is thriving in Ronaldo's absence, has started the season really well and is nudging towards the level of Lionel Messi and Ronaldo.

"Rooney can change a game and he's Manchester United and England's most important player.''