Sacked manager Erik ten Hag was keen for Manchester United to re-sign Danny Welbeck, according to reports.
Ten Hag recently lost his job as Red Devils boss after a two-and-a-half year spell, with the club set to appoint Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim as his replacement.
Goals were arguably the biggest issue for the Dutchman, whose side managed just eight goals in their opening nine Premier League matches this season before his dismissal.
Ex-United striker Welbeck, meanwhile, has six goals on his own for a Brighton side who are sixth in the table, five points above the Red Devils who sit 14th.
The Athletic claims United identified their former academy star as a possible summer target towards the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
Welbeck joined United as an 11-year-old and spent 13 years at the club before joining Arsenal in 2014.
Now 33, the Englishman is enjoying perhaps the most prolific spell of his career with the Seagulls.
It is understood Ten Hag was particularly interested in Welbeck, who was set to become a free agent in July.
United were considering ways to replace Anthony Martial and Welbeck had impressed Ten Hag in matches against his side.
Welbeck set up one of the goals in Brighton’s 2-1 victory over United in Ten Hag’s first match in charge.
The former England star has scored against United five times since leaving the club – and two of those goals came during Ten Hag’s reign, including one earlier this season.
United’s new hierarchy under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, led by Sir Dave Brailsford and Dan Ashworth, were also thought to be fond of the idea.
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Welbeck returning to his boyhood club would have likely proven popular among fans, while the 33-year-old is known to be one of fittest players at Brighton.
However, it is claimed the club’s directors were unwilling to sanction a transfer for Ten Hag while doubts lingered over his future.
The Dutchman was clinging on for his job before winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City, which ultimately landed him a new contract.
But with recruitment plans put on hold, United missed the opportunity to sign Welbeck, who put pen to paper on a new Brighton deal shortly after the January transfer window.
United’s loss has proven to be the Seagulls’ gain – and manager Fabian Hurzeler is delighted with his No.9.
Speaking earlier in October, Hurzeler said: “If he continues to behave like he does, then he can play on for a long time.
“We have another player who is an age of nearly 40 and he’s still there and trying to be the best every day. That’s the same for Danny.
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“I knew [when I came] he had great talent and he’s a great team-mate and very supportive. He’s not only a great footballer but a great team-mate and personality.
“He has a feeling for the dynamics of the team and he tries to connect the players. That’s very important for me.”
