Manchester United strengthened their strikeforce during the transfer window but at one point they weighed up a transfer for Danny Welbeck until Jim Ratcliffe’s intervention
Manchester United considered a move for Brighton forward Danny Welbeck before splashing £200million on their frontline this summer. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to have put an end to the move after making his displeasure clear over the prospect of a two-year deal for the 35-year-old.
United signed Matheus Cunha for £62.5m from Wolves, Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo for a possible £71m and Benjamin Sesko for £66.3m as Amorim was handed a new line of attack during the transfer window. Bringing goals to Old Trafford was a key target this summer after the Red Devils struggled to find the net last season.
While Rasmus Hojlund has made his exit to Napoli, Cunha and Mbeumo have already established themselves in Amorim’s starting line up. The Portuguese coach has been more hesitant in seeing Sesko lead the line, however – with Mason Mount taking that role.
But, immediately after their miserable 2024-25 season, United had another target in mind. The club failed in their attempt to land Liam Delap from Ipswich as he chose Chelsea as his new club.
And from there, United weighed up a move for former striker Welbeck, according to the Athletic. The Carrington product started his career at Old Trafford before moving on to Arsenal, Watford and Brighton.
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And even at 35, having finished last term as Brighton’s top goalscorer, Welbeck was discussed. After failing to land Delap, United ’seriously‘ considered moving for a secondary striker.
Erik ten Hag wanted Welbeck 12 months ago but the Red Devils did not make a move given uncertainty around his position. Welbeck returned to the frame in recent months however and chiefs considered a two-year offer, should they have been able to agree a fee with Brighton.
The plan was for a low-cost signing to complement a marquee signing. United owner Ratcliffe felt United could not sanction a deal of that length, meaning a one-year deal with the potential for a further year was mulled over. An offer was never formalised for the ex-United striker.
After renewing their forward options, United landed a new goalkeeper on deadline day in Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. The Belgian joined on a five-year deal to challenge Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.
A more surprising enquiry also emerged as the club attempted to land another of their priorities in a central midfielder. United approached Atletico Madrid over a loan deal for Conor Gallagher but the La Liga giants were uninterested in a temporary move.
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