Erik ten Hag is claimed to have been interested in signing Danny Welbeck.
(Image: PA)

Manchester United in shock Erik ten Hag transfer U-turn before sack decision made

30 Oct 2024, 15:00 by Isaac Seelochan · Manchester Evening News

Erik ten Hag is said to have been interested in bringing Danny Welbeck back to Manchester United - before the former Ajax manager was sacked from his position at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman was dismissed on Monday, amid United's worst-ever start to a Premier League season. United sit 14th in the top-flight table following last term's eight-placed finish - their worst final position since 1990.

Ten Hag was backed heavily this summer by Ineos who signed Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt. Reports in The Athletic have now outlined that ex-United striker, Welbeck, was also drawing interest from Old Trafford at the time.

They claim that the Brighton forward was seen as an 'excellent option' to replace Anthony Martial, who left on a free transfer. It's reported that key figures at the club gave serious thought to making him an offer.

Welbeck's contract at Brighton was running out, at that time, leaving United with a possibility of signing him on a free transfer. But that move never materialised, with Ten Hag's job uncertainty reportedly leading to caution about committing to a transfer under his direction.

The 33-year-old had signalled his intent to stay at Brighton and he signed a new two-year deal shortly after the January transfer window closed this year. He has since gone on to score six goals across all competitions for the Seagulls so far this season - underlining that he still has what it takes to mix it at Premier League level.

Welbeck joined United's academy, aged 11, and made 142 first-team appearances before being sold to Arsenal in 2014. He then went on to join Brighton in 2020 after a short spell at Watford.

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