Manchester United considered re-signing Danny Welbeck under Erik ten Hag | OneFootball

Manchester United reportedly gave serious consideration to re-signing their former academy star Danny Welbeck last season as a replacement for Anthony Martial.

Then manager Erik ten Hag was particularly supportive of bringing Welbeck back, given the player’s ties to the club and his performance against United in recent Premier League meetings.

Welbeck, born in Manchester’s Longsight area, joined United’s academy at age 11 and went on to make 142 appearances before moving to Arsenal in 2014.

His potential return held a romantic appeal, rekindling the local connection and passion he had for the club in his youth.

United’s interest in Welbeck was first sparked by his standout performance against them during Ten Hag’s Premier League debut match in 2022, where Welbeck’s assist and relentless movement helped Brighton secure a 2-1 win.

The veteran forward continued to impress against his former club, netting the opening goal in Brighton’s 3-1 victory at Old Trafford in September 2023.

Welbeck demonstrated his quality, not only scoring but also contributing to the build-up play, highlighting the attributes that could have made him a valuable addition to United’s roster.

Despite his age—he was 33 at the time—Welbeck’s potential arrival came at a minimal financial risk as his contract with Brighton was nearing its end, meaning United could have acquired him on a free transfer.

His professional lifestyle and experience were also noted as assets that could benefit the squad, particularly as he maintained some of the highest physical performance scores at Brighton.

Nevertheless, no formal offer materialized.

United’s managerial uncertainties, compounded by an ongoing reorganization around Ten Hag, made the club reluctant to act decisively in the transfer market.

Furthermore, former Brighton technical director Dan Ashworth, who had overseen Welbeck’s move to Brighton in 2020, was not yet available to contribute to United’s recruitment due to contractual obligations with his previous employers, Newcastle United.

Welbeck, meanwhile, was content at Brighton and chose to sign a two-year contract extension after the January transfer window closed.