Man United transfer news: Erik ten Hag 'pushed' to sign former Red Devils striker

On Monday morning, United's hierarchy made the decision to sack the Dutchman after a dismal start to the new season.

As well as sitting down in 14th position in the Premier League table, the Red Devils have recorded just four wins from 14 matches in all competitions during 2024-25.

That is despite an influx of new additions during the last transfer window, United spending in excess of £180m in an effort to improve their fortunes.

One of the five players who arrived at Old Trafford was Joshua Zirkzee, who starred for Bologna last season as they earned a surprise place in the Champions League.

The Netherlands international has since contributed just one goal and two assists in 13 appearances, casting doubt as to whether he will become a regular fixture in the plans of the next head coach.

Did Ten Hag push for a different striker?

According to The Athletic, there could have been a different player lining up down the middle of United's attack.

Ten Hag was allegedly keen to bring Danny Welbeck back to Old Trafford at a time when the former England international's contract at Brighton & Hove Albion had been due to expire.

Welbeck is said to have been viewed as 'an excellent addition' by Ten Hag and 'serious thought' was given by the club's board regarding making an offer.

However, Welbeck would ultimately sign a new contract with the Seagulls in the middle of May, ending any prospect of a reunion with a club that he represented at the beginning of his career.

Having come through the academy setup, Welbeck contributed 29 goals and 17 assists from his 142 appearances in all competitions before leaving for Arsenal in 2014.

Welbeck enjoying a renaissance...

He may now be 33 years of age but Welbeck is producing the best numbers of his career at the Amex Stadium.

A total of six goals and one assist have come from his nine Premier League appearances during 2024-25, emphasising why Ten Hag had taken a shine to the player when he was playing regularly under previous Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Despite regular fitness issues during his career, Welbeck has 32 goals and nine assists from his 135 outings for Brighton since he joined the club in 2020.

In sharp contrast to Welbeck's six goals in the Premier League, United have netted just eight times in total.