Manchester United should consider signing their former striker for next season

Michael Carrick smiled as he discussed Danny Welbeck at a press conference near the end of last season. "He's scored against us too many times," Carrick said. "I still call him 'my lad'. He's an old man now, which makes me feel old. Huge respect for him. It's terrific that he came through here and made a massive impact. "For him to go on and have the career he's had and still be playing so well at the age he is shows his mindset and his attitude and all those things enable you to play to 35. He deserves a lot of credit for that, and I'm really delighted, genuinely, to see him doing so well." Welbeck came through Manchester United's academy to reach the first team during Carrick's time as a player. The striker was part of the 2012/2013 United Premier League title-winning side before completing a switch to Arsenal in 2014. United are considering signing a forward this summer to support Benjamin Sesko, and there are worse options out there than Welbeck, who scored an impressive 13 goals in the top flight last term. It's unlikely to happen, given that Welbeck is 35 and Brighton triggered a 12-month contract extension not too long ago, but football has a tendency to surprise. Welbeck could be drawn by the romance of finishing his career where it began. Although Brighton would not want to lose him, they might not stand in his way if an offer from United came in and he wanted to pursue it. United have considered making a move for Welbeck in the past. The general consensus is that the ship has now sailed, but Welbeck showed no signs of slowing down during an excellent 2025/26 campaign. Welbeck was even in the conversation to make England's squad for the World Cup. Speaking in November, Wayne Rooney said: "He scores goals, he works hard, he's having a purple patch and he's put himself in a position where Thomas Tuchel will definitely have to look at him. "Behind Harry Kane he is the most in-form England striker. He's given himself a chance. He's been such a good player in the Premier League. I said last season Manchester United should have brought him back. "He seems really settled at Brighton , he's doing well and scoring goals, and I hope he continues that and gives himself the best chance of trying to get back in the England squad." Welbeck would be a perfect back-up option to Sesko. United are set to compete in four competitions again next term after securing a return to the Champions League, and having an experienced striker to ease the burden on Sesko would be beneficial. Whether United sign a forward remains to be seen, though. Carrick could use the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Amad down the middle, while Joshua Zirkzee started up front against Sunderland in May. However, Zirkzee's performance at the Stadium of Light confirmed what everybody already knew: he is not a centre-forward. Sesko is the only recognised striker in the squad, and it would be a huge blow to lose him to injury. United are exploring signing a striker because they recognise the squad will be exposed if Sesko is forced to the sidelines. United won 4-2 when Brighton visited Old Trafford in October, but the end of the game was unnecessarily nervy after a late surge from Brighton, who got back into the contest after a free-kick from Welbeck. It was the eighth goal of Welbeck's career against United, and it's almost certain a few will have murmured "we should never have sold him" from the terraces. Perhaps there could be another chapter written for Welbeck in a United shirt.