Manchester United Seek Experienced No.9: Welbeck and Toney Options

Manchester United’s summer rebuild is starting to take shape, and the next piece on the board is clear: an experienced centre-forward to guide a young attack through a long, unforgiving season.

INEOS have already moved in midfield, with Atalanta’s Ederson set to become the first signing of the window, even if the club are yet to rubber-stamp the deal publicly. More bodies are expected in the middle of the pitch, with one or two further midfield additions planned as Michael Carrick reshapes the core of his team. A new left-back and a left-winger also sit high on the list for sporting director Jason Wilcox.

If the budget stretches, centre-back and centre-forward reinforcements are in play. And that is where the profile of striker is beginning to sharpen.

From Igor Thiago to proven veterans

Earlier in the summer, Brentford’s Igor Thiago sat among the names on United’s radar. The Brazilian, who finished with the second-highest goal tally in the Premier League last season, had been viewed as a possible option if Joshua Zirkzee were to be moved on.

Speaking at the start of June, journalist Ben Jacobs outlined United’s early thinking.

“While it is very initial and player-led at this stage, Man Utd are just starting to look at the market in the old and more experienced category of strikers, with one or two exceptions like Igor Thiago – in case Zirkzee leaves,” he said.

That was then. The latest picture looks different.

In Jacobs’ most recent update, Thiago’s name dropped out of the conversation. In its place: two far more familiar faces to English audiences – Brighton’s Danny Welbeck and Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney.

Dressing-room leader over headline act

The priority is not just goals. It is experience, presence and the willingness to share the stage.

Speaking on The United Stand, Jacobs set out the type of No.9 United are now circling.

“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,” he said. “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.”

This is not a search for a new undisputed star, but for a senior figure who can accept rotation, support the development of younger forwards and still deliver when called upon.

Welbeck naturally fits that description. A former United academy product, a popular figure among supporters, and a player whose professionalism has drawn praise throughout his career.

“We have spoken before about how popular it might be to bring someone back like Danny Welbeck,” Jacobs continued. “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.”

The romantic angle is obvious. The reality is harder. Brighton value his experience and reliability, and have little incentive to open the door.

Toney on the radar – but at a price

If Welbeck would be a sentimental return, Ivan Toney would be a very different kind of statement.

The former Brentford striker has rebuilt his career in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, where he has been prolific, scoring 32 goals in 32 Saudi Pro League matches. That output has not gone unnoticed at Old Trafford.

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

The challenge is not his ability. It is the package.

“Wage is partially an issue there because he’s earning well in Saudi Arabia,” Jacobs added. “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.”

United, then, are watching. Toney’s situation after the World Cup could prove decisive. If he pushes for a return to Europe, the door opens. If he stays content in Saudi Arabia, the numbers may simply not stack up.

A defining call up front

For all the noise around midfield and full-back, the choice of centre-forward may say more about United’s short-term ambition than any other signing this summer.

Do they lean into nostalgia and dressing-room chemistry with a figure like Welbeck, if Brighton can even be persuaded? Do they gamble big on Toney’s goals and pay packet, hoping he is ready to swap Saudi comfort for the scrutiny of Old Trafford? Or does a new name yet emerge from a market that rarely stays still for long?

United want experience. They want leadership. They want a striker who understands he might not start every week but can still change the course of a season.

The question now is simple: who is willing to carry that responsibility into the Stretford End?