Latest Manchester United news as Danny Welbeck continues to deliver the goods for Brighton as United struggles continue in front of goal
Wayne Rooney has admitted that former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck could still play for the club despite leaving over 10 years ago.
Welbeck departed United in 2014 for Arsenal in a deal worth £14million. After scoring 32 times for the Gunners, he joined Brighton on a one-year deal in 2020.
Since then, the 34-year-old has remained a consistent figure in the Seagulls’ rise from Premier League survival to European qualification. This season, the United academy graduate has already reached his highest goal tally for a single campaign with eight goals.
His eighth came on Sunday in the FA Cup fifth round against Newcastle. Fabian Huzeler’s men came from behind to reach the quarter-final thanks to Welbeck’s excellent goal in the second-half of extra-time.
The former England international lofted the ball over the on-rushing Martin Dubravka to send the Seagulls into the next round. The goal came after Gary Neville criticised the club’s decision to sell Welbeck under Louis Van Gaal.
“The idea that he’s not good enough for Manchester United is absolutely rubbish,” the former United defender said. “He’s good enough to be in a pool of three or four strikers.
“He’s destroying defence, he’s torn [Levi] Colwill and [Trevoh] Chalobah to shreds. Sometimes we tag these players with ‘oh he’s not good enough’… no he is, to be part of a 20-man squad at a top club, he can still play at the very top level.
“He was let go too quickly at United. Because if you think about Louis van Gaal, his style is very precise, and Danny wasn’t in his game back then so he just let him go.
“But he’s almost perfect for how Manchester United should play, threatening space in behind and playing off front players.”
After his goal on Tyneside, Rooney seconded Neville’s praise of Welbeck, suggesting he’d still be a great option for United in their current state. “[He was] great to play alongside with and if I’m being completely honest, I’d probably still like to see him here, playing for Manchester United,” he said.
“He’s scored goals throughout his career. He’s having a fantastic season.”