“Brilliant…” Manchester United told to reconsider Erik ten Hag’s bizarre summer request

Manchester United have been told they must reconsider a bizarre request made by Erik ten Hag in the 2024 summer transfer window.

Manchester United need a new striker this summer. Joshua Zirkzee has failed to find form, and Rasmus Højlund has struggled for goals in the opening months of the 2024/25 campaign.

With Rúben Amorim having taken over the squad from Erik ten Hag, United are shifting their transfer focus towards strong and athletic players who can fit the 39-year-old’s system.

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Reports in the media suggest that United are looking for a new striker and left-back in the coming months, while UtdDistrict understands that Amorim is also keen to sign two midfielders.

With United unlikely to make any significant investment in the January window, the club are gearing towards a summer of value-for-money spending.

Ten Hag’s summer request

Last summer, Ten Hag asked Manchester United about the feasibility of signing former Academy star Danny Welbeck in the summer, says The Athletic.

The 34-year-old spent his academy days and four years of his senior career at United before signing for Arsenal, but injury struggles have limited his game time across multiple clubs.

However, with United needing to replace departing Anthony Martial, the Dutch former boss asked the club whether they could secure Welbeck from Brighton as an experienced forward, and the move was given “serious thought.”

At the time, Welbeck’s contract was coming to an end, meaning he would have been a free transfer, but ultimately, nothing came of it. He has scored six goals in 14 games for the Seagulls this season.

United urged to reconsider

However, former Old Trafford winger Lee Sharpe has now urged United to reconsider the deal in January.

“Manchester United could look at someone like Danny Welbeck in January,” Sharp told Racing Tipster. “I know he’s been at the club before, but he’s doing brilliant things at Brighton this season and looks a really assured and mature player at the moment.

“He’s working his socks off, creating and scoring goals, and he looks like he’s in his prime down there at the AMEX Stadium.

“That’s the type of striker I’m thinking of that is bright enough and strong enough to have a really good effect in the Premier League.

“I think Rasmus Højlund will come good eventually, but he’s still a bit raw and still needs a little bit more composure, so the club probably need a bit of extra backup.”

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