It’s time to reflect on what has been a busy summer transfer window for Manchester United.
Manchester United made five signings following a turbulent 2024/25 campaign, after finishing 15th in the Premier League and failing to qualify for any of the European competitions.
Still, the Red Devils managed to attract top players in the transfer market, as Ruben Amorim emphasised the importance of revamping his attack.
Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford (loan) all left Old Trafford during the summer transfer window. They have been replaced by new signings such as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
United also signed Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon as well as Belgian shot-stopper Senne Lammens.
Meanwhile, United were linked with many players that they didn’t end up signing. Some of the club’s targets, such as Liam Delap, opted to go elsewhere.
Man Utd explored Danny Welbeck deal
United were confident that they would sign Delap from Ipswich Town, but that deal fell through, forcing Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox to look elsewhere.
There was a feeling at United that Delap’s history at Man City, where he spent five years, meant he was reluctant to move his career to Old Trafford.
That was when United considered a secondary striker, with Brighton veteran Danny Welbeck becoming a topic of conversation among club chiefs, according to The Athletic.
Erik ten Hag wanted to sign Welbeck last year, but his request was ignored because Ineos were introducing a new structure, and there was also uncertainty surrounding the manager’s position.
Welbeck, who graduated from United’s academy before making 142 appearances for the first team, was Brighton’s joint-top scorer in the Premier League last season with 10 goals. He spent 16 years at Old Trafford before being controversially sold by Louis van Gaal.
However, United considered offering Welbeck a contract until 2027, provided they could agree on a fee with Brighton. That was when Sir Jim Ratcliffe intervened to prevent a two-year deal for a player who is 35 in November.
United were later linked with a move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who joined Leeds as a free agent after being let go by Everton.
Welbeck career stats
After coming through United’s academy, Welbeck showed plenty of promise in his early years.
The forward scored 29 goals and registered 16 assists in 142 games for United before being sold to Arsenal.
Welbeck registered 45 goal contributions for Arsenal before eventually joining Brighton after a season at Watford.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 497 | 110 | 50 |
Although Welbeck is coming to the end of his career, he remains an important player for Brighton, having played in all three of their Premier League matches so far. He has yet to score his first goal of the season.
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