Reality bites for Man United as they eye Danny Welbeck and Ivan Toney moves | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly admirers of Danny Welbeck and Ivan Toney as they explore the possibility of securing competition for Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko call

Sesko enjoyed an incredibly positive maiden season in England following his big-money move from RB Leipzig last summer.

He took time to get going under Ruben Amorim, but kicked into an extra gear following Michael Carrick’s arrival as the Portuguese coach’s replacement. Sesko finished the season with an impressive 11 Premier League goals. No player in the top flight scored more goals than Sesko in the second half of the campaign.

With Joshua Zirkzee expected to leave this summer, there is a risk of Sesko being left as the only senior and natural striker on the club’s books.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs who appeared on The United Stand, it seems that this is a situation United are fully aware of. Jacobs notes that United are open to signing a new striker, but they’re unlikely to pursue a young alternative like Eli Junior Kroupi of Bournemouth.

It’s understood that United want an experienced striker, with Welbeck and Toney among those on their radar.

Welbeck and Toney interest

Jacobs said, “My feeling is that if they go for a number nine, it will more likely be an experienced name and somebody that can really be a strong positive dressing room influence. And come in during a long season knowing that they maybe won’t play every single game, but they’re ok with that role and responsibility in a season when Man United will hope to challenge on multiple fronts.”

“We have spoken before about how popular it might be to bring someone back like Danny Welbeck. Nothing is necessarily developing there yet but if they give that due consideration, the fanbase will probably like that. But I don’t think he’s a player that Brighton would want to sell.”

“Ivan Toney is a name that I’ve mentioned before, who Man United appreciate.”

“Wage is partially an issue there because he’s earning well in Saudi Arabia. Let’s see what happens after the World Cup with Toney and if he is prepared to leave Saudi because despite constant rumours that he wants out, I’ve always been told that at football level and family level, he’s quite happy there.”

Jacobs notes that there is also appreciation for Brentford’s Igor Thiago. The Brazilian netted 22 Premier League goals in 2025/26.

Much like Welbeck at Brighton, Jacobs expresses doubts about Brentford’s appetite to part ways with Thiago.

“But there are certainly names in the Premier League or with Premier League experience, and some of them are older, that Man United are starting to assess.”

United are understood to want a squad player, which means that they view Sesko as almost a guaranteed starter. While the pursuits of Welbeck and Toney currently appear to have encountered difficulties, the situation remains fluid and further developments are likely should their interest prove to be more than speculative.

Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images

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