Erik ten Hag is said to have been interested in bringing Danny Welbeck back to Manchester United - before the former Ajax manager was sacked from his position at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman was dismissed on Monday, amid United's worst-ever start to a Premier League season. United sit 14th in the top-flight table following last term's eight-placed finish - their worst final position since 1990.
Ten Hag was backed heavily this summer by Ineos who signed Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt.
Reports in The Athletic have now outlined that ex-United striker, Welbeck, was also drawing interest from Old Trafford at the time. READ MORE: Pep Guardiola issues Ruben Amorim warning to Manchester United READ MORE: Roy Keane has already identified United issue Ruben Amorim must fix They claim that the Brighton forward was seen as an 'excellent option' to replace Anthony Martial, who left on a free transfer.