Sir Jim Ratcliffe blocked Manchester United's move to bring back a former crowd favourite before beginning a £200million overhaul of the frontline this summer
12:37, 02 Sep 2025
Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United FC, looks on during the award ceremony following the UEFA Europa League final football match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Manchester United FC.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's tenure at Manchester United has been a disaster so far(Image: Nicolò Campo, LightRocket via Getty Images)
Manchester United reportedly considered signing Brighton striker Danny Welbeck before spending a whopping £200million on their attack this summer.
However, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is believed to have quashed the move due to his objections over a proposed two-year contract for the 35-year-old. United brought in Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m, Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo for a potential £71m and Benjamin Sesko for £66.3m, providing Amorim with a fresh attacking force during the transfer window.
Injecting goals into Old Trafford was a primary objective this summer following United's struggles to score last season.
While Rasmus Hojlund has departed for Napoli, Cunha and Mbeumo have already secured spots in Amorim's starting line-up. The Portuguese manager has been more cautious about deploying Sesko as the main striker, with Mason Mount currently occupying that position.
However, following their dismal 2024-25 campaign, United had another player in their sights. The club's attempt to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich fell through when he opted for Chelsea instead.
Danny Welbeck of Brighton & Hove Albion in action
Manchester United considered re-signing Danny Welbeck(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Subsequently, United considered bringing back former forward Welbeck, as reported by The Athletic. The Carrington graduate began his career at Old Trafford before stints at Arsenal, Watford and Brighton.
Despite being 35 and finishing as Brighton's top scorer last season, Welbeck was still in the conversation. After missing out on Delap, United seriously contemplated signing a backup striker.
Erik ten Hag had his sights set on Welbeck a year ago, but the Red Devils held back due to uncertainty surrounding his position. However, Welbeck re-emerged as a potential signing in recent months, and United's top chiefs contemplated a two-year deal, provided they could agree on a fee with Brighton.
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The strategy was to balance a high-profile signing with a more cost-effective acquisition. However, United owner Ratcliffe felt a two-year contract was too long, leading to discussions about a one-year deal with an option for a second year.
Despite this, no formal offer was made for the former United forward.
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After refreshing their attacking options, United secured a new goalkeeper on deadline day, bringing in Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. The Belgian signed a five-year contract to compete with Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.
In a surprising turn of events, the club also attempted to secure another priority target, a central midfielder. United approached Atletico Madrid about a loan deal for Conor Gallagher, but the La Liga heavyweights were not interested in a temporary arrangement.