Erik ten Hag 'wanted Danny Welbeck' but Man Utd blocked transfer for two damning reasons

Manchester United seriously considered launching a pursuit of Danny Welbeck after Erik ten Hag pushed for his return to the club, according to reports. However, two fundamental factors prevented a swoop for the Brighton and Hove Albion striker, who has started the season in prolific form.

Ten Hag faced frustration in the summer of 2023 when United refused to meet Tottenham's demands for Harry Kane before he joined Bayern Munich in an £86million deal.

The Dutchman wanted an experienced striker who would offer a reliable source of goals at the spearhead of his side but later splashed £72m for Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund.

The 21-year-old's Old Trafford arrival was met with the acceptance that he wasn't near the finished article and would require patience.

Hojlund was United's top goalscorer in his debut season, netting 16 times, but couldn't contribute as frequently as a striker of Kane's ilk.

This summer, Ten Hag was back in the market for a frontman ahead of Anthony Martial's exit on a free transfer. United signed Joshua Zirkzee in a £36.5m deal from Bologna.

However, Ten Hag, again, was reportedly keen on recruiting an experienced striker with Premier League experience.

According to The Athletic, he believed Welbeck would be a superb addition to his attacking ranks and included him in recruitment discussions.

It's claimed that United seriously considered making a move for the 33-year-old, who joined the club at 11, graduated through the academy, and made 142 appearances before joining Arsenal in 2014.

Welbeck's experience was said to have been pinpointed as a strong trait to add to the dressing room. He also has a reputation as a top athlete, ranking among Brighton's top performers in physical tests.

However, the report adds that United didn't make a concrete offer, with Welbeck now contracted at the Amex Stadium until 2026.

United were reportedly reluctant to commit to a transfer under Ten Hag's direction due to the uncertainty surrounding his future, despite backing him with £200m later in the window.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's struggles to build his new-look football hierarchy due to different gardening leaves also posed a significant hurdle.

United sporting director Dan Ashworth played a role in Welbeck's switch to Brighton in 2020 while he was the club's technical director.

However, he couldn't work for the Red Devils until compensation was agreed with Newcastle United at the start of July.

Welbeck has justified Ten Hag's interest this season, scoring six goals in nine Premier League games, one in a 2-1 win against United.