Sir Jim Ratcliffe blocked Manchester United transfer for former Arsenal star

Manchester United reportedly contemplated signing Brighton's Danny Welbeck before spending a whopping £200million on their attacking line this summer.

The move was allegedly halted by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who expressed his dissatisfaction with the idea of a two-year contract for the 35 year old forward.

The Red Devils secured the signatures of Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m, Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo for a potential £71m and Benjamin Sesko for £66.3m, providing manager Ruben Amorim with fresh attacking options during the transfer window.

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Boosting the goal tally at Old Trafford was a primary objective this summer following United's struggle to score in the previous season.

Cunha and Mbeumo have quickly found their places in Amorim's starting eleven. However, the Portuguese coach has been somewhat reluctant to let former Arsenal target Sesko lead the attack, with ex-Chelsea star Mason Mount assuming that role instead.

However, following their disappointing 2024-25 campaign, United had another player on their radar. The club's attempt to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich fell through as he opted for Stamford Bridge instead.

Subsequently, United considered bringing back former striker Welbeck, as reported by The Athletic. Welbeck, a product of United's Carrington academy, began his professional career at Old Trafford before moving to Arsenal, Watford and then Brighton.

Welbeck spent five seasons with the Gunners where he won two FA Cups. Arsenal signed the Englishman from United in a deadline-day-deal worth £16m. The striker left the Emirates following the expiration of his contract.

Despite being 35 and finishing the last season as Brighton's top scorer, Welbeck was still a topic of discussion. After failing to secure Delap, United seriously contemplated signing a backup striker.

Erik ten Hag had his sights set on Welbeck a year ago, but the Red Devils held back due to uncertainty surrounding his position.

However, Welbeck re-emerged as a potential signing in recent months, with United's top brass contemplating a two-year deal, provided they could agree on a fee with Brighton.

The strategy was to bring in a budget-friendly signing alongside a high-profile one. However, United owner Ratcliffe felt a deal of that duration couldn't be approved, leading to discussions about a one-year contract with an option for an additional year.

Despite these talks, no formal offer was made for the former Arsenal forward.