Manchester United weighed up bringing Danny Welbeck back to the club after a decade away but Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s concerns over his age stop the transfer from happening
Manchester United previously explored the possibility of bringing Danny Welbeck back to Old Trafford – only for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to come in and curtail the deal amid fears of the striker’s age.
The Red Devils were linked with a number of strikers this summer, eventually landing Benjamin Sesko, but they also gave serious thought to signing a second forward which led to their interest in Welbeck, who is one of their academy products.
Erik ten Hag was keen on the veteran striker 12 months ago when he was still at the club, but issues at board level meant the deal couldn’t get done. And again in 2025, the former England international was under consideration after missing out on Liam Delap, who instead joined Chelsea.
United felt bringing Welbeck back to the club would add some vital experience and allow for another body who knew the club’s DNA.
But it was the Ineos chief who had reservations over his age profile. Now 35, Ratcliffe did not want to hand out a two-year deal, reports the Athletic. Instead a one year, plus another possible year, was discussed but never formalised or put to Brighton. No fee was agreed either.
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Welbeck has a contract at the Amex Stadium until 2027 and top scored last year. He’s shown no desire to leave and would’ve been a back up option in Manchester as they overhaul the look of their frontline with Rasmus Hojlund leaving.
Wayne Rooney played with Welbeck during his time in Manchester and has since seen him continue to produce despite not being a headline name. It was last season that he pitched the idea of his former club going back after the player they let go for just £16million in 2015.
He told the BBC: “Danny, he’s great to play alongside and if I’m being completely honest, I’d would probably still like to see him here playing for Manchester United. He scored goals throughout his career, had injuries in early part of his career, but seems to have got over them and he’s having a fantastic season.”
Welbeck came through the ranks in Manchester, enjoying loan spells away, before he was given first-team opportunities in the final years of Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure. His most prolific season saw him score 12 times in all competitions.
The striker was far from the most fashionable name however, but since being allowed to move on he’s scored numerous times against the Red Devils. He knocked them out of the FA Cup with Arsenal and has downed them several times with Brighton.
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