Welbeck, who broke through United’s academy in 2008, played alongside Rooney for six years before being sold to Arsenal in 2014 by Louis van Gaal.
Despite battling injuries at Arsenal and Watford, Welbeck has found new life at Brighton, scoring a stunning winner against Newcastle to send his team into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Rooney, speaking after United’s FA Cup loss to Fulham, admitted he would love to see Welbeck back at Old Trafford, praising his goal-scoring ability and recent resurgence.
At 34, Welbeck has scored seven Premier League goals this season—more than United’s struggling strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee combined.
Hojlund’s 18-game goal drought continued against Fulham, leading to his second-half substitution for 17-year-old Chido Obi, who impressed with his energy and attacking intent.
United now shift focus to the Europa League with a crucial last-16 clash against Real Sociedad on Thursday before hosting Arsenal in a must-win Premier League fixture.
Rooney also praised Obi’s performances, noting the young forward’s ability to get into dangerous positions and suggesting he could be a key figure for United in the coming weeks.