Fernando Torres
Chelsea's Fernando Torres reacts during the first leg of their Champions League quarter final match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London. REUTERS

Andy Townsend believes former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan offered more to his side than Fernando Torres currently is for Chelsea.

The ITV football pundit claims Manchester United legend Roy Keane revealed recently that although Forlan's spell at Old Trafford underwhelmed fans and critics alike, the Uruguayan remained a popular figure with his teammates because he continued to work hard for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Forlan moved to Manchester United in 2001 and although he enjoyed some memorable moments at Old Trafford and eventually earned something of a cult following, he netted just 17 goals in 95 appearances and was moved on in August 2004.

Townsend recalls a recent conversation with Roy Keane in regards to the previously maligned Manchester United forward suggesting the striker, who has since thrived on the continent, was always appreciated for his demeanour and attitude around Old Trafford.

The aforementioned television pundit believes Forlan's behaviour at Manchester United is in direct contrast to Chelsea forward Fernando Torres. The Spaniard looks increasingly disinterested under Andre Villas-Boas and Townsend intimates Torres appears to offer less and less of a threat.

"Roy Keane was telling me what it was like with Diego Forlan when he was going through his run of 27 games without scoring a goal for Manchester United." Townsend told the Daily Mail.

"Forlan, he said, was suffering but walked around with a smile and worked hard for his team."

"What a waste of money' screamed the headlines and the opposition supporters but his Manchester United team-mates didn't think that; they stood behind him and redoubled their efforts to help him through his barren run.

"I'm not sure the Chelsea team feel the same about Fernando Torres. When I look at him, I see another Roman Pavlyuchenko - a striker who knows he is fourth choice and who looks as if he would rather be anywhere else.

"There is no nuisance value in Torres. He doesn't rattle the centre half, chase lost causes into the corner, crash into the first row of seats after running down the full back. He's not scoring, so what does he give the team?"

Torres moved to Stamford Bridge in a British record £50 million deal but has struggled to recapture the form that made him one of the most feared strikers on the continent.