Man Utd set to pair Sesko with new striker – Welbeck & ‘powerful’ WC star on three-man shortlist

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring three strikers, including their academy product, Danny Welbeck.

The Red Devils redesigned their attacking department last summer by recruiting Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko.

This year, the emphasis may be on the midfield, but there’s still room for one more attacking reinforcement.

Danny Welbeck, Igor Thiago & Ivan Toney on Man Utd shortlist

Last summer’s attacking revamp proved highly successful, with all three new arrivals cementing themselves as regular starters.

Sesko may have had a slow start under Ruben Amorim, but he exploded following Michael Carrick’s appointment.

The 23-year-old is expected to lead Man Utd’s lineup for years to come, but the club needs to pair him with another centre-forward, especially if Joshua Zirkzee ends up leaving the club.

During his latest appearance on the United Stand, British football journalist Ben Jacobs weighed in on United’s striker search, revealing three profiles admired by INEOS.

🚨 United could be expected to bring in an experienced striker to COMPETE with Benjamin Sesko for the starting number 9 spot next season. Danny Welbeck, Ivan Toney and Igor Thiago are names that are appreciated. [@JacobsBen @UnitedStandMUFC] #mufc pic.twitter.com/OY2w1rFlQS

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) June 25, 2026

The Red Devils are reportedly considering bringing back Welbeck, who has been enjoying an Indian summer at Brighton.

Moreover, the Man Utd directors are following Ivan Toney, the England international who rose to prominence at Brentford, before moving to Saudi giants Al-Ahli in 2024.

The last name on the shortlist is Thiago Motta, who enjoyed a sensational first campaign at Brentford, which earned him a World Cup call-up from Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Who would be the best option for Man United?

Interestingly, these three strikers are at different stages of their careers. At the age of 35, Welbeck is trying his best to defy Father Time and has been doing an admirable job thus far.

30-year-old Toney might be at the peak of his powers, but he chose the most financially rewarding option rather than playing his football at the highest level. So despite winning back-to-back AFC Champions League titles, Thomas Tuchel overlooked him when assembling his World Cup squad.

Finally, Thiago is a man on the rise, as evidenced by his impressive numbers this season. But while he has been described as a ‘complete’ striker, he still has several areas to improve to shore up his game.

However, the issue with the Brazilian is that he may be a bit too similar to Sesko as a natural No.9, whereas a versatile attacker like Welbeck would be able to play alongside the Slovenian when required, giving Carrick an additional option.

Moreover, the veteran should be available for a modest transfer fee, especially with only one year left on his Brighton contract, which would allow the club to reserve, and his arrival would boost Man Utd’s UEFA squad thanks to his academy-product status.