Manchester United gave serious thought to signing former striker in the summer

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·30 ottobre 2024

Manchester United gave serious thought to signing former striker in the summer

Manchester United considered a swoop for Danny Welbeck in the summer while discussing options to replace Anthony Martial.

Manchester United have continued to struggle in front of goal this season, making it one of many issues for the next manager to address.

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With only eight goals in the Premier League after nine games, it’s clear that our attacking players haven’t been clinical enough in front of goal.

There has been no shortage of chances created – having had 27 big chances this season, but we’ve missed 22. That was Erik ten Hag’s biggest problem this season as well as being left down by the standard of officiating in the Premier League.

We’ve seen Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial leave in recent seasons, with the replacements being Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. There has also been the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo, while Antony has struggled to prove his worth on the right wing.

It is no secret that Ten Hag wanted Harry Kane last year but opted for a younger option in Hojlund when the England captain joined Bayern Munich.

Manchester United considered Danny Welbeck swoop

Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images

While United discussed ways to replace Martial towards the end of last season, The Athletic reveals Welbeck’s name was mentioned internally and people at the club gave serious thought to making him an offer.

The reports adds: “He was already 33 when his name was brought up in recruitment discussions at United, but Welbeck’s contract at Brighton was running out and he was heading for free agency, so would have cost nothing by way of a transfer fee. His great experience was projected as a positive for the dressing room. He is known to live the life of an athlete and ranks among the top performers at Brighton on physical tests.”

Welbeck came through the academy at United and is one of the most controversial sales of the post-Ferguson era. A decision made by Louis van Gaal, which saw Welbeck join Arsenal.

His return, a decade on, would have came as a big surprise but a welcome one.

It is understood that Ten Hag would have supported a homecoming for Welbeck.

A concrete offer did not materialise for Welbeck to return to Old Trafford, but he’s made a strong start to the new season for Brighton.

Welbeck has 7 goal contributions in 9 matches for Brighton this season.