The veteran striker struck against his old club last night as Brighton won their FA Cup third round clash 2-1 at Old Trafford.
"I remember Welbz when he first joined United and he was a terrific talent then," Jones told BBC Sport.
"Should he have left Old Trafford? I think a lot of fans were sad to see him leave. You look now and I think they'd take him back in a heartbeat.
"Today he was incredible.
"The way he handles himself, the way he carries himself, the way he lives his life right and dedicates himself to football.
"He epitomises that for any young kid watching, the way he goes about his work."
Many are calling for Welbeck, 35, to be added to England's World Cup squad this summer.
Jones added: "We keep talking about number nines but if there's anybody who can contribute as well as Harry Kane this summer, could he be that guy? He'd certainly be a pick for me.
"He's still got all of the qualities, he's still strong, still quick and is scoring goals for fun at the minute."