Wayne Rooney, the legendary former striker of Manchester United, has publicly expressed his desire for his former teammate, Danny Welbeck, to return to the club. Despite his retirement from playing, Rooney strongly believes Welbeck's impactful performances could significantly benefit the struggling Red Devils this season.
Rooney's comments came after Welbeck scored the decisive winner for Brighton against Newcastle United, clinching the FA Cup tie during extra time on March 2, 2025. The 34-year-old striker, who had entered the match as a substitute, managed to find the back of the net shortly after his introduction, showcasing his value at the American Express Stadium. "Danny, he's great to play alongside, and if I'm being completely honest, I'd probably still like to see him here playing for Manchester United," Rooney stated during BBC's Match of the Day.
Welbeck's recent performances have not gone unnoticed. He played 17 times for Brighton this season, contributing 7 goals and 4 assists during matches within the Premier League. His consistent contributions have been recognized by his peers, including former Manchester United player Gary Neville, who stated, "He was let go too quickly at United. If you think about Louis van Gaal, his style of play is very precise; now Danny Welbeck wasn't precise in his game back then, so he just let him go. But he's actually perfect for how Manchester United should play."
Despite some setbacks due to injuries earlier in his career, Welbeck has managed to maintain good form at Brighton, dispelling doubts about his effectiveness. Rooney has been candid about his admiration for Welbeck's tactical contributions on the pitch, which is especially pertinent considering the current struggles Manchester United has faced this season. The club has struggled with finishing as their offense has lacked consistency, often failing to score goals during key matches.
Rooney's optimistic views on Welbeck are echoed by many analysts, who believe his skill set aligns well with Manchester United’s needs. The English forward, who initially joined the team at age 11, made over 140 appearances for United before being sold to Arsenal back in 2014. At Arsenal, and later at Watford, he faced numerous injuries which obstructed his performance. Since joining Brighton, he has thrived under manager Roberto De Zerbi, contributing considerably to the Seagulls' attacking options.
Rooney's contention about Welbeck reflects the discontent among Manchester United fans over recent team decisions, particularly the transfer of key players who have gone on to find success elsewhere. Welbeck’s resurgence serves as a stark reminder of the missed opportunities for the Red Devils. During his time at United, he played alongside Rooney for 104 games, achieving 5,729 minutes on the pitch together, forming part of the squad during some of United's most successful years.
A notable comparison arose recently, as both Welbeck and current Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund faced off statistically. Hojlund, who joined United for £72 million, has struggled to replicate the scoring form expected from him after going 18 games without finding the net. This season, he has only managed 2 goals compared to Welbeck's 8 goals, who is performing at his highest since the 2013/14 season. Rooney illuminated the disparity clearly, hinting at what could have been for the Red Devils had they retained Welbeck: "He scores goals throughout his career. He had injuries but seems to have got over them, and he's having a fantastic season," Rooney added.
Discussion surrounding Welbeck’s potential return has gained traction, as Manchester United continues to chase solutions to their front line issues. The club once boasted prolific strikers but now finds itself sidelined by inefficiency. Fans and analysts alike have pointed to current management strategies as limiting their attacking rotations, echoing sentiments expressed by the likes of Rooney and Neville about needing diversely skilled players such as Welbeck.
Even former United coach Rene Meulensteen has weighed in on the topic, arguing, "No, definitely not," when asked if Sir Alex Ferguson would have ever sanctioned Welbeck's transfer under his tenure. Ferguson was known for nurturing young talent, making the decision to sell Welbeck all the more controversial, as seen through its impact on the current squad.
It remains uncertain if Manchester United's management will act on Rooney’s appeals for Welbeck or enforce sweeping changes to their attacking strategies as the season progresses. The Red Devils must reconsider their approach to recruitment and retainment, particularly when considering the current form of players like Rasmus Hojlund, who has underwhelmed under the intense spotlight of Old Trafford. Welbeck, on the other hand, keeps consistently contributing and performing at high stakes, perhaps leaving fans to wonder what could have been had Manchester United retained its homegrown star. Until such changes are made, the struggles for goal scoring will likely continue to beset the franchise.