- Danny Welbeck receives praise from Michael Carrick
- Striker has been a frequent scorer against United
- A return to Old Trafford would be a fantastic reunion
On Sunday afternoon (24 May), Manchester United face Brighton & Hove Albion to close out the 2025/26 season.
As one door shuts, another may reopen this summer. United head coach Michael Carrick was asked about his former teammate, who will be hoping to score against the club where he grew up.
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Welbeck Has ‘Scored Against Us Too Many Times’
Speaking ahead of the clash against Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon, Carrick had some nice words to say for former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck.
The Reds boss said: “He’s scored against us too many times. I still call him ‘my lad’. He’s an old man now, which makes me feel old.” In the reverse fixture during Ruben Amorim’s reign, Welbeck scored in the 4-2 win for the Reds at Old Trafford.
Both Carrick and Welbeck played together under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning the 2012/13 Premier League title. Overall, the pair played together on 109 occasions. In 2014, Welbeck departed Old Trafford for Arsenal, as Louis Van Gaal could not offer him a place in the squad.
Carrick continued: “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.”
Despite not getting the call up for Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup squad, the Brighton player has had a terrific season in his twilight years. The 35-year-old will be looking to finish the season strongly against United, having scored 14 goals in 2025/26. It is by far his best return in any domestic season to date, which is all the more impressive at his age.
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Could a Reunion Happen?
Ever since leaving his boyhood club, Welbeck has been a nuisance for his old side. He has scored eight goals against United, which is more than he has done against any other club in his career.
This summer presents a poetic opportunity for Carrick to bring him home. Now that the 44-year-old is the permanent head coach, he has full reign over decisions made alongside INEOS in the recruitment meetings.
Welbeck offers solid league experience that United need across the board as Casemiro departs. With a long campaign ahead, United need a reliable, proven striker to share the burden with Benjamin Sesko. This season, it has mainly been Bryan Mbuemo covering in his unnatural position, but a natural number nine would be preferred.
Much like Tom Heaton’s presence, adding a senior voice behind the scenes at Carrington would do this team well. Despite leaving as a young man, Welbeck’s return would place him amongst the veterans this time around. The crucial difference is that the 35-year-old wouldn’t just lead in the dressing room, but he could offer double digits in front of the goal next season.
