Manchester United’s pursuit of a new striker saw many twists and turns during the summer transfer window.
After United ended last campaign with fewer league goals than every non-related Premier League side bar Everton, the club’s hierarchy decided to hand a new goalscorer to Ruben Amorim.
United began the summer chasing Liam Delap, who emerged as an attractive option due to his Premier League experience and £30m release clause. However, the ex-Manchester City youth product chose Chelsea as his next destination.
Manchester United considered signing Welbeck
According to The Athletic, United “seriously looked at signing a secondary striker” after missing out on Delap.
It is understood United explored conditions for bringing Danny Welbeck back to Old Trafford.
After leaving United in 2014, the academy graduate had underwhelming spells at Arsenal and Watford. However, he has proven to be a prolific presence up front for Brighton & Hove Albion. The Englishman was their joint-top scorer in the Premier League last term with ten goals.
His form and well-rounded style of play attracted Erik ten Hag’s interest last year.
United reignited their interest this summer as they felt the 34-year-old “would add experience, technical quality, and heritage to the squad after spending 16 years at Old Trafford, graduating from the academy.”
The Mancunians considered making a proposal to the Brighton star of a contract to 2027, but the offer was not formalised.
Benjamin Sesko has had a tricky start at Man United
United eventually made Benjamin Sesko their preferred target and beat Newcastle United to his signature early in August.
The 22-year-old has arrived with a stellar reputation from his time at RB Leipzig. Over the past two seasons, the Slovenian has scored the most goals of any player under the age of 23 in Europe’s top five leagues.
However, due to Sesko’s lack of a proper pre-season, Amorim has yet to hand him a start in the Premier League. Meanwhile, his performance in the League Cup against Grimsby Town attracted the wrath of Slovenian press.
Needless to say, the youngster needs time and patience. Considering his immense potential, the physically and technically gifted number nine should come good.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Vishal Singh
Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
