If Manchester United sells one player, they might consider bringing back Danny Welbeck, and the player has hinted he would be happy to return. However, Zirkzee does not want to leave.

Manchester United's attack was boosted last season with positive outcomes. Following the £200 million acquisition of Cunha, Mbeumo, and Sesko, the team's goal count rose from 44 to 69, placing them third in the league for scoring prowess, as each of the three newcomers scored at least ten goals. Nonetheless, Carrick feels the frontline still requires enhancement and additional strengthening during the summer transfer window. Two approaches are possible: purchasing a left-sided winger or bringing in a reserve striker.

These deals may need to be based on selling current players, including Rashford and Zirkzee. According to the Manchester Evening News, United considers academy graduate Danny Welbeck an ideal candidate for a backup center-forward. He could also help the club with UEFA's homegrown player registration requirements.

Welbeck proved himself during a loan spell at Sunderland in the 2010/11 season and was subsequently promoted to the first team by Sir Alex Ferguson. His performances were mixed, and after Louis van Gaal took over in 2014, he was sold to Arsenal.

In 2020, Welbeck joined Brighton and experienced a career revival. This season, the 35-year-old forward scored 14 goals and provided 2 assists in 37 appearances, including two goals against Manchester United.

In the Premier League scoring charts, Welbeck ranks high with 13 goals, tying for 8th place, ahead of all United attackers. English football circles even believed he deserved a spot in England's World Cup squad, but Tuchel favored the eventual selections of Ivan Toney or Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Leeds.

Welbeck's contract with Brighton runs until 2027, and his transfer fee would certainly be under £10 million, mainly due to his age. Therefore, as a backup center-forward, signing him would be a cost-effective choice for United, with minimal disruption to the dressing room and no hindrance to Sesko's development, who scored 12 goals this season.

Moreover, Welbeck is reportedly quite willing to return to United, especially given the chance to play in the Champions League. Recently, recalling his time at United, he described it as an honor. He said: "Manchester United is the club I supported from childhood, where I grew up, progressing from the U9 team to the first team. Growing up watching idols, you strive to reach their level and replicate their success. Making it to the first team was truly a great honor."

Welbeck added: "I've put in a lot of effort to get where I am today, and I've had a wonderful time. I had many role models to learn from, and of course, incredible coaches! I will never speak ill of Manchester United because they brought me up through the youth system, developed me, and made me a better person and player."

Welbeck also said that if he could travel back in time, the match he would most like to play in is the final round of the 2011/12 season: Queens Park Rangers vs. Manchester City. "When Agüero scored that last-minute goal, I would slide-tackle him so he couldn't score," Welbeck said. "I would have him carried off the pitch, and then United would have won the Premier League title."

United manager Carrick does not seem opposed to signing Welbeck either; they still exchange messages. Last season, Carrick spoke about his former teammate: "Danny (Welbeck) has scored against us far too many times, haha. I've known him since childhood, and he's a fantastic player. I still call him 'kid,' but now he's also considered a veteran. Thinking about his age makes me feel old, but I have immense respect for him. His career and the fact that he can maintain such a high level of performance at this age fully demonstrate his mentality, spirit, and attitude. So, he deserves high praise, and honestly, I'm really delighted to see him doing so well."

However, the starting point for United buying a new center-forward still hinges on the issue of Zirkzee's future. The club hopes to sell him for around €25 million. This 24-year-old Dutch forward has attracted interest from several Serie A clubs. He wanted to leave in January, but United ultimately did not let him go. At the time, the Dutch international was eager for regular playing time to secure a spot in the Netherlands national team.

Now that Zirkzee has missed out on the World Cup, he plans to prioritize staying at United, where the salary is higher and Champions League football is guaranteed. Zirkzee believes that with multiple competitions next season, he will have more opportunities for game time. Of course, if he wants to be a starter, a transfer would be the ideal choice.