Gary Neville has delivered a stinging assessment of Manchester United’s current attacking options, claiming that former United striker Danny Welbeck, now shining for Brighton, is outperforming the Red Devils’ frontline this season.
Speaking on Stick to Football, Neville praised Welbeck’s resurgent form, asserting that his performances and output surpass anything seen from United’s forwards during the current campaign.
Welbeck, who has been a steady presence at Brighton since joining in 2020, is enjoying a standout Premier League season. The 33-year-old has already netted six goals in just 11 games—a tally that matches his entire haul from each of his first three seasons with Brighton. With plenty of games remaining, Welbeck is well on track to eclipse his previous best Premier League season from his United days in 2013/14.
Neville’s acknowledgment of Welbeck’s success was unequivocal: “I’m not surprised by Danny Welbeck. He’s very good—his current form is better than any current Manchester United front player this season.”
United’s Regretful Let-Go
Welbeck’s success raises questions about Manchester United’s decision to let him go nearly a decade ago. Despite flashes of brilliance during his tenure at Old Trafford, the striker was allowed to leave in 2014 under then-manager Louis van Gaal. While injuries hampered parts of his career, his form this season underscores the talent United may have prematurely dismissed.
Adding salt to the wound, Neville hinted that United themselves had considered re-signing Welbeck during Erik ten Hag’s reign. Reports suggested that the club saw the forward as a potential solution to their attacking woes but ultimately chose not to pursue the opportunity.
The Context of United’s Attack
Neville’s comments land particularly hard when considering United’s current struggles in attack. None of their forwards have managed to consistently find the back of the net this season. Injuries, lack of form, and tactical misalignments have plagued the side, leaving fans yearning for a reliable presence up front—something Welbeck has delivered for Brighton.
United’s forwards are not only struggling for goals but also appear disconnected in their attacking play, a stark contrast to Welbeck’s fluidity and work rate within Brighton’s dynamic system under Roberto De Zerbi.
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Neville’s Surprise Standouts
During the same discussion, Neville also shared his picks for the Premier League’s surprise performers this season. While giving an honorable mention to Morgan Rogers, Neville highlighted players like Chris Wood, Liam Delap, and Ryan Gravenberch for their unexpected contributions. Wood, in particular, topped his list with eight goals to his name, while Delap and Gravenberch followed with six goals and impressive displays in midfield, respectively.
Welbeck, however, was not categorized as a surprise by Neville—further emphasizing the former defender’s respect for the striker’s consistent quality and his ability to rise to the occasion this season.
Mount and Casemiro Under Amorim
Amidst speculation over Manchester United’s potential managerial changes, Ruben Amorim has been linked with the hot seat at Old Trafford. The Sporting CP boss has reportedly expressed admiration for Mason Mount, calling the midfielder “perfect” for his system and envisioning him in multiple roles within the team.
Casemiro, another high-profile United name, has been tipped to thrive under Amorim after enduring a challenging spell under Ten Hag. Questions about the Brazilian’s form have swirled, but Amorim is believed to see him as an integral part of a restructured midfield. Meanwhile, rumors of Real Madrid’s interest in reuniting with Casemiro continue to circulate, adding another layer of intrigue.
Transfer Rumblings
In transfer news, United are reportedly eyeing Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman. The Nigeria international has been in scintillating form in Serie A, and the Red Devils are said to value him at £58 million. Lookman’s pace, directness, and ability to score could provide United with the attacking spark they currently lack.
Neville’s Verdict
Neville’s assessment of Welbeck serves as both a testament to the Brighton man’s enduring quality and an indictment of United’s struggles. As Welbeck continues to thrive, his story is a reminder of the potential that sometimes slips through the cracks—potential that, in this case, is now shining far from Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s forwards may yet turn their season around, but for now, Welbeck’s resurgence offers a stark contrast to the attacking woes haunting the Red Devils.