‘Love him’ – Man United insider reveals how close club came to stunning Danny Welbeck reunion
Manchester United’s front three overhaul this summer almost took a surprising twist with former striker Danny Welbeck coming close to a sensational return.
Ruben Amorim’s side have had a tough start to the Premier League season, earning a win and a draw from their first three Premier League games.
The Red Devils have also lost twice, once after a promising performance against Arsenal and once after a dismal showing away at Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.
During the summer United revamped their front three options, signing Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko for a combined £200 million.
Danny Welbeck was close to Manchester United return
United also signed Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens and left back Diego Leon in the window, while courting midfield options Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton.
However, the Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell unveiled how different things could have been for United on the Talk of the Devils podcast.
Whitwell described how Welbeck was considered for a return to the club: “we mentioned him last summer, Erik Ten Hag wanted to sign him, and the information is that Manchester United had a look.
“They explored it, and had internal discussions about bringing him back to the club again this summer, but ultimately they decided the financials weren’t right because he’s 35 [later this year] and it would have taken a two-year contract to get him to United,” Whitwell continued.
“I know i’m very biased on this one, I love the fact that he’s a Manchester lad and came through the academy,” Whitwell said, before podcast host Ian Irving interjected with sentiments of his own: “I love Danny Welbeck.”
Whitwell went on to say: “I like the way he plays, he’s talented, he’s skillful, and it would’ve been quite sweet to see him come back.”
Irving went on to add: “Brighton love him though, they absolutely love him, the standards he’s set in training and his professionalism. They believe that he’s raised their standards.”
Ruben Amorim could make minor tweaks to shore up Manchester United
Football Insider verdict
Having scored the fifth least amount of goals in the Premier League goals last season, Amorim’s side have begun the season by generating the league’s highest number of expected goals according to FBref.
While watching United’s first three Premier League games, scoring and creating chances hasn’t been the issue for the side, it’s the ease at which they’re played through.
| Player | Age |
| Kobbie Mainoo | 20 |
| Bruno Fernandes | 30 |
| Casemiro | 33 |
| Manuel Ugarte | 24 |
Amorim’s midfield requires his players to be athletic and have broad passing ranges whilst covering a lot of ground, something the current pairing of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro can’t do.
While it seems unlikely that the Portuguese would compromise, it feels like a slight tweak, even to a 3-5-2, would bulk out the midfield of Amorim’s side and make them less susceptible to being played through in defensive transitions.