Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes the Red Devils should have re-signed Brighton & Hove Albion striker Danny Welbeck.
The Red Devils have made a positive start to the Premier League campaign, picking up 17 points from their opening 10 games.
United are just one point behind the Champions League spots. They are currently on a four-match unbeaten run under manager Ruben Amorim.
Brighton have likewise made a bright start. The Seagulls are only two points behind the Red Devils, largely due to Welbeck’s impressive goalscoring form.
The 34-year-old netted 10 goals in the previous top-flight campaign. He could better that tally this term, having already scored six times in 10 matches.
Welbeck’s form has been monitored by England boss Thomas Tuchel, and he could make a surprise return to the national set-up after a seven-year gap.
Amidst this, Rooney has hailed his former teammate. The 40-year-old said that Welbeck is ‘such a good player’ and United should have brought him back.
He said on his BBC podcast: “I’m stoked, he’s been on fire. I absolutely love Daniel, I love him.
“He’s been such a good player in the Premier League. Man United should have brought him back because he scores goals and he works hard.
“I think over the last couple of years I would have really have liked to have him back. I think now United are going a different way and have hopefully turned a corner.
“But I would have wanted him back over the last few years.
“He seems settled at Brighton so I just hope he keeps scoring goals and hopefully gives himself the best chance possible to get back in the England squad.”
United considered signing Welbeck last summer
The Red Devils had an interest in their academy graduate last summer. They seriously considered signing a ‘secondary striker‘ in Welbeck due to his vast experience.
There were plans to negotiate with Brighton and offer him a two-year deal. However, a move did not materialise. United chose to land Benjamin Sesko after missing out on Liam Delap.
Welbeck has continued to shine for the Seagulls this campaign with six goals. If he keeps his current form going, he should be a strong candidate for a World Cup berth with England next summer.
United could yet make a fresh move for the experienced marksman whose contract expires next summer. He could be seen as a backup and replacement for Joshua Zirkzee, who is eyeing a new challenge.
A mid-season deal appears unlikely. Welbeck has put himself in the mix for England selection with his scoring form. He would not want to derail his World Cup prospects with reduced game time.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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Article written by Sri Aswin .
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