Wayne Rooney (40), a legend of Manchester United (Man U), has drawn attention by expressing his hope for Danny Welbeck's (35, Brighton) return.
Welbeck is a striker from the Manchester United Academy. Making his debut in September 2008, Welbeck played a total of 142 matches for Manchester United, scoring 29 goals and providing 16 assists. Contrary to expectations, he did not significantly develop at Manchester United, going on loan to Preston North End and Sunderland. Frequent injuries were a problem.
Ultimately, Welbeck moved to Arsenal in the summer of 2014 after being overshadowed by Radamel Falcao, Rooney, Robin van Persie, and Chicharito. After that, Welbeck recorded 32 goals and 13 assists in a total of 126 matches for Arsenal. He also had to deal with various injuries during his time at Arsenal.
However, Welbeck has flourished late during his tenure at Brighton, where he has been since 2020, following a stint at Watford in 2019. In particular, he has scored 8 goals (4 assists) in a total of 25 matches this season, including 7 goals (4 assists) in 20 matches.
Welbeck's tally of 12 goals, including 9 goals in the league during the 2011-2012 season when he was at Manchester United, was his personal best. He appears to be rejuvenating after reaching his mid-30s.
Welbeck's figure surpasses that of current Manchester United strikers Joshua Zirkee (7 goals) and Rasmus Hojlund (5 goals). Even when limited to the league, he has scored more than the combined total of Zirkee (3 goals) and Hojlund (2 goals).
Welbeck scored in extra time during the FA Cup Round of 16 against Newcastle United on the 2nd (Korea time), leading to a 2-1 victory. He displayed the finishing ability he once showcased during his promising days at Manchester United.
In response, Rooney appeared on the British 'BBC' and noted, "Welbeck is a really good player to play with. To be honest, I want to see him playing for Manchester United again."
He added, "Welbeck has consistently scored goals throughout his career. He had many injuries early on, but it seems like he has completely overcome them now. He is having a fantastic season this year."
Welbeck's transfer was indeed at the behest of manager Louis van Gaal. However, the competition with Rooney, who had been a key striker for the team since 2004, also somewhat influenced Welbeck's path. Rooney and Welbeck have played together on the England national team.
According to British 'Talksport' on the 3rd, Rooney was not the only one to mention Welbeck's return to Manchester United. Another Manchester United legend, Gary Neville, also expressed regret, stating, "At that time, manager Louis van Gaal pursued a very structured style."
Neville continued, "Welbeck did not fit that style perfectly, and as a result, he was released by Manchester United. However, there are few players who fit the style of football that Manchester United is pursuing as well as Welbeck does."
Neville also remarked, "Liverpool has various types of strikers. Manchester United should also have 3 to 4 strikers with different styles." He emphasized, "Saying that Welbeck is inadequate to play for Manchester United is nonsense."
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