Ferguson delight after Welbeck pens new four-year deal at Old Trafford

Sir Alex Ferguson has predicted a bright future for Danny Welbeck after the youngster penned a new four-year contract with Manchester United.

The 21-year-old striker has scored 17 goals since making his debut four years ago and established himself as a first-team regular last season.
And his Old Trafford boss expects more of the same over the coming months.

New deal: Danny Welbeck signs his contract with Manchester United chief executive David Gill

 

'Danny has been with the club since he was eight years old and has made fantastic progress in the last couple of years – first out on loan and last year as a regular in the first team,' Ferguson told United's official website.

'He has become an important player at international level as well, as the maturity of his performances at the European Championships showed. This year is another important one for him. He has a bright future ahead of him.'
Welbeck added: 'Playing for United is all I’ve ever wanted to do – it’s the club I’ve supported all my life. I can’t wait for the challenge of the new season to play my part in helping the team compete for trophies.
'I’m learning all the time from the best manager in the game and I’m keen for that to continue alongside the world class players in the squad.'

Under threat: Welbeck faces competition for a starting place from new signing Robin van Persie

Welbeck made 30 appearances in the Barclays Premier League last season after forcing his way ahead of his rival forwards at Old Trafford— Dimitar Berbatov, Javier Hernandez and the departed Michael Owen.
He scored nine league goals for United before he was taken to Euro 2012 by new England chief Roy Hodgson. This season, Ferguson has set a minimum target of 20 goals for Welbeck, who now has nine England caps.

Established: Welbeck was a first a first team regular with United last season after a loan spell with Sunderland

He will have to be on his best form after Robin van Persie's £24million arrival from Arsenal threatened to push him down the pecking order.
His new contract, reported to be worth £75,000-a-week, is packed with incentives based on future performance.