Revealed: Man Utd explored Danny Welbeck homecoming transfer for second year in a row & held talks over potential swoop for Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo

Red Devils wanted more firepower

Allowed several attackers to leave

No deal for ex-academy graduate

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WHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils spent much of the summer window pursuing attacking additions. They were able to acquire the creative qualities of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo relatively quickly, but found it trickier to land somebody capable of leading the line.

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Various options were considered. Liam Delap was an early target, but his previous ties to Manchester City made a deal unlikely and the England U21 international ended up at Chelsea. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa was considered, along with Hugo Ekitike - who made his way to Liverpool after being heavily linked with Newcastle.

DID YOU KNOW?

United ended up splashing out £74 million ($99m) on Benjamin Sesko, as the 22-year-old was lured away from RB Leipzig. The Red Devils were, however, in the market for a secondary striker at that stage.

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The Athletic claims that “United explored conditions for bringing Danny Welbeck back”. The Old Trafford academy graduate was wanted by Erik ten Hag in 2024, as he would provide vital Premier League experience and goal threat in the Red Devils’ ranks.

Ruben Amorim was also keen on the ex-England international, with a contract through to 2027 discussed internally. It is, however, claimed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe opposed the offer of a two-year deal for a forward that will turn 35 in November.

WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who became a free agent after leaving Everton, was another to register on the Red Devils’ radar. He is now at Leeds. Talks were also held over a potential swoop for Antoine Semenyo, but Bournemouth’s £70m ($94m) valuation was too high for United to do business, with the summer window closing without another forward being brought in as the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony all headed through the exits.