Danny Welbeck reacts to Man United transfer link after ‘exciting’ Amorim move
Danny Welbeck admits Ruben Amorim is an “exciting” appointment at Man United but has played down suggestions of a Brighton exit to his former side.
The striker began his career with the Red Devils after coming through their academy, and scored 29 goals in 142 first-team appearances for the club (Transfermarkt).
Recent reports suggested Erik ten Hag was keen to bring the 33-year-old Old Trafford in the summer (The Athletic), though no deal materialised, and he instead signed a new two-year deal with Brighton.
Now, speaking in an interview with talkSPORT, Welbeck was asked about those links with a return to Man United, with Amorim keen to add more firepower come January.
The Brighton man admitted while he does have a link with the club and always will do, he is happy where he is, explaining: “Speculation is speculation and for me being a Manchester boy I’ve always got that link coming through at United, I’ve got that link to Manchester United and that’s speculation.
“Stuff always comes up and about but as I said I’m just focusing on doing what I can do for Brighton, having a lovely time down here, really enjoying it, it’s a great city to live in, to bring up my kids as well and I’m really settled here and I was really happy to sign a new two-year deal at the end of last season.”
On the new manager at Old Trafford, the striker added: “I’ve seen a few of his games for Sporting, I watched the Arsenal Sporting games quite closely last season and the way that the team play is very progressive.
“It’s exciting to have somebody like Ruben going to Manchester United and to try and get them back to where they want to be.
“It’s always going to be difficult after Sir Alex [Ferguson] left, and it’s not an easy job, but somebody’s got to do it and now it’s on to Ruben Amorim.”
Hard to imagine Danny Welbeck returning to Man United now
Football Insider Opinion
It would be a surprise if Welbeck does now return to Old Trafford at any point in the future.
There is no denying that with the Red Devils’ current crop of attackers struggling for goals, Rasmus Hojlund’s brace against Bodo/Glimt notwithstanding, so there is a need for reinforcements upfront which the club seem to be looking for.
The Brighton man’s form also means he could be an appealing option for Man United, especially considering his previous connection to the club.
Ultimately though, at 33-years-old Welbeck is starting to approach the latter stages of his career, so he would not be a long-term option for the Red Devils if he was to make that move.
That would be in contrast to the much younger strikers they have brought in recently, suggesting he does not fit the mould they are looking for.
On the other hand few would have expected Jonny Evans to return and be such a factor when the Northern Irish defender was at West Brom or Leicester, so their is precedent.
But given Welbeck is also settled on the south coast and only recently signed a new deal there, it would surely be hard to prise the striker away from Brighton any time soon.
It therefore seems as though the chance to bring Welbeck back to Man United may well have come and gone in the summer.
In other news, Hojlund has sent a message to Man United fans after his performance vs Bodo/Glimt.
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