Just revealed—former United boss Erik ten Hag planned to bring back Danny Welbeck! Rio Ferdinand supported the move, shocked that United let Welbeck go in 2014! Welbeck’s in top form at Brighton with 6 goals in 9 games. Could he have changed United’s season? 👀🔥 👉

Following Erik ten Hag’s exit from Manchester United, an unexpected revelation has surfaced: he had been considering the re-signing of Danny Welbeck, a former United academy talent whose departure in 2014 surprised club icon Rio Ferdinand. Ten Hag’s time at United was fraught with challenging transfer decisions, and recent reports indicate he viewed Welbeck as a strategic addition to strengthen the team’s offense, especially in the wake of Anthony Martial’s departure.

Ten Hag’s Ambitions for Manchester United

Hired with high hopes based on his success at Ajax, Erik ten Hag was expected to bring fresh energy and talent development to Manchester United. However, his tenure was marked by inconsistent team performances and high-stakes transfers that often fell short of expectations. Fans and commentators were critical, questioning whether the players he brought in were suited for the demands of the Premier League.

Confronted with these mounting challenges, ten Hag reportedly looked to a less conventional solution this year by exploring a potential return for Welbeck. Such a move marked a shift from his typical transfer approach, suggesting a desire to draw on experience and a deep connection with United’s identity over more traditional high-profile transfers.

Why Welbeck?

According to The New York Times, ten Hag’s interest in Welbeck stemmed from the forward’s blend of attributes: as a United academy graduate and Premier League veteran, Welbeck brought experience, hard work, and adaptability. His athleticism, high pressing, and tactical discipline were seen as assets that could potentially revitalize United’s attack, especially after Martial’s exit following nearly ten years at the club. Though no official negotiations took place, reports suggest that ten Hag’s idea was given serious thought by the club.

At 33, Welbeck continues to perform well for Brighton, scoring six goals in just nine Premier League games this season. His role as a reliable scorer and a cohesive force in playmaking makes him an asset, highlighting qualities that might have been beneficial for United, which has been struggling to find a consistent goal-scorer.

Rio Ferdinand’s Take

For Rio Ferdinand, Welbeck’s possible return symbolized justice for a player he has long supported. A vocal fan of Welbeck, Ferdinand was surprised and disappointed when United sold him to Arsenal for £16 million in the closing hours of the 2014 transfer window. Welbeck, in Ferdinand’s view, embodied the spirit of United’s academy: versatile, hardworking, and loyal to the team.

Ferdinand recently shared his respect for Welbeck on TNT Sports, saying, “Danny Welbeck’s talent was evident even as a youngster at United. His departure was a shock because he brought more than just skill; he was a positive influence in the locker room.” Ferdinand noted that Welbeck was often underappreciated by fans but highly respected by peers for his speed, pressing, and tactical intelligence, making him challenging to play against.

Ten Hag’s Choices and Their Impact

Welbeck’s potential re-signing reflected ten Hag’s sense of urgency in his last months with United. Known for nurturing young talent, ten Hag faced intense scrutiny as many of his signings struggled to integrate into the squad. His decisions and management style became focal points of criticism, ultimately adding to the pressure that led to his dismissal.

While ten Hag recruited players like Antony and Casemiro to bolster the squad’s competitiveness, the team continued to falter due to injuries, performance issues, and lack of cohesion. Bringing back Welbeck could have bridged ten Hag’s tactical ambitions with United’s historic values by introducing a player familiar with the club’s culture.

A Potential Comeback That Remained an Idea

In the end, Welbeck’s re-signing was left on the drawing board. Though ten Hag reportedly discussed the idea, it never moved to formal negotiations. Welbeck remains with Brighton, where he has continued to impress, providing the steady leadership and reliability United could have utilized.

Welbeck’s career journey, from Manchester United youth standout to seasoned Premier League forward, continues to resonate with fans and players alike. His successful season at Brighton serves as a reminder of what United lost and a testament to his professionalism.

Looking Ahead

As United searches for ten Hag’s replacement, Welbeck’s story underscores what many fans believe: that the club should focus on players who embody its values and history, beyond pure skill. Ferdinand’s praise for Welbeck highlights this sentiment—a belief that United’s strength comes not only from talented players but from those deeply connected to its legacy.

While the club now faces the challenge of rebuilding, the idea of re-signing Welbeck points to a nostalgic reflection, capturing a manager’s vision under pressure and a club’s ongoing que

st to rediscover its core identity.