Manchester United seriously considered launching a pursuit of Danny Welbeck after Erik ten Hag pushed for his return to the club, according to reports. However, two fundamental factors prevented a swoop for the Brighton and Hove Albion striker, who has started the season in prolific form.
Ten Hag faced frustration in the summer of 2023 when United refused to meet Tottenham’s demands for Harry Kane before he joined Bayern Munich in an £86million deal.
The Dutchman wanted an experienced striker who would offer a reliable source of goals at the spearhead of his side but later splashed £72m for Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund.
The 21-year-old’s Old Trafford arrival was met with the acceptance that he wasn’t near the finished article and would require patience.
Hojlund was United’s top goalscorer in his debut season, netting 16 times, but couldn’t contribute as frequently as a striker of Kane’s ilk.
This summer, Ten Hag was back in the market for a frontman ahead of Anthony Martial’s exit on a free transfer. United signed Joshua Zirkzee in a £36.5m deal from Bologna.
However, Ten Hag, again, was reportedly keen on recruiting an experienced striker with Premier League experience.
According to The Athletic, he believed Welbeck would be a superb addition to his attacking ranks and included him in recruitment discussions.
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