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The reason Louis van Gaal said Man Utd sold Danny Welbeck in 2014 as resurgence at Brighton continues

Billy Meyers

Mon 3 March 2025 12:15, UK

Danny Welbeck is enjoying something of an Indian summer at the age of 34.

The Manchester United academy graduate fired Brighton into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday with a delight🎐ful chipped effort in the 114th minute, his eighth goal of the season across all co🌱mpetitions.

DANNY WE🦩LBECK. WHAT A FINISH. ❄️'s experienced striker gets his goal in extra-time!

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup)

Few would have expected the England international to still be delivering at the highest level after being released by Arsenal in the summer of 2019 – but he is doing exactly that, even outperforming the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee this season, despite being sold by Manchester United in 2014 for just £16m.

As Danny Welbeck continues his resurgence at Brig🥃♌hton, an explanation from Louis van Gaal about why Manchester United sold him in 2014 makes for interesting reading.

What Louis van Gaal said about Danny Welbeck

The qu♉oted the Dutchman as saying: “I have given all the players a chance to convi🌟nce me of their qualities.

“Danny Welbeck was here when he was nine. He played here for three seasons after Sunderland, but he doesn’t have the 🌠record of Van Persie or Rooney and that is the standard. That is why we let him go, because of Falcao, but also the youngsters who can fit in.”

To be fair, when you consider the likes of Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney were also present at Old Trafford back then, selling the Manchester-born striker doesn’t seem that wild of a decision.

The fact it is now a debate – over a decadꦕe on – points more to the downfall of Manchester United, and how the Red Devils have failed to find other world class strikers su🅘ch as Rooney and Van Persie.

Manchester United urged to bring Danny Welbeck back

Speaking of Rooney, the 39-year-old pushed Manchester United to bring Welbeck, who Arsenal fans want, back to Old Trafford when spe🐽aking on BBC Sport last week.

The Manchester United legend said: “Danny, he’s gr♑eat to play alongside and if I’m being completely honest, I’d would probably still like to see him here playing for Manchester United.

“He scored goals throughout his career, had injuries in early part of his career, but seems to have got over them and he’s ꧙having a fantastic season.”

Gary Neville also wants Welbeck to returnও to Manchester United – claiming he would be “perfect” right now.

It would be quite the story if Ruben Amorim did sign Welbeck this summer – although few co𒊎uld argue it would be a bad signing on t𒆙he basis of his performances so far this season.