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Underperforming Manchester United players have a habit of exploding into form elsewhere, often leaving the Red Devils red-faced.

Scott McTominay’s title-winning season at Napoli is a recent example, while the likes of Paul Pogba, Wilfried Zaha and Memphis Depay also enjoyed considerable success after leaving Old Trafford.

Pogba was a rare case of United biting the bullet and bringing a departed player back, but club legend Wayne Rooney believes they should have done the same for an old teammate who always turns up against his former employers.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney reflected on Welbeck’s impressive form and gave his thoughts on a potential Old Trafford return for the 34-year-old.

Rooney said: “I’m stoked, he’s been on fire. I absolutely love Daniel, I love him. He’s been such a good player in the Premier League. Man United should have brought him back because he scores goals and he works hard.”

Welbeck, who lined up 104 times with Rooney at United, scored against his former club at Old Trafford last month to give Ruben Amorim’s team a nervous few minutes in their 4-2 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

Moment has passed

Despite the Englishman’s goalscoring antics...