“He was buzzing”: Ex-United star receives phone call from Sir Alex, he’s thriving away from Old Trafford

Sir Alex Ferguson recently got in touch with former Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck.

At 34 years old, Welbeck is raising question marks over United’s decision to sell him to Arsenal nearly a decade ago, with his exploits.

The United academy product, who won the Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, has now established himself as a key part of the Brighton and Hove Albion squad who are hoping to win the FA Cup this season.

Welbeck has been involved in an impressive 12 goals in all competitions for the Seagulls this term and his most important contribution came against Newcastle United.

The Englishman scored the extra-time winner against the Magpies to send Brighton into the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Ahead of his side’s clash against Nottingham Forest, Welbeck spoke to BBC and revealed that he received a call from his former manager after his Newcastle heroics.

“[Sir Alex Ferguson] actually phoned me after the Newcastle goal,” he told Football Focus.

“He talked about the goal and the performance. He was buzzing and to have that sort of connection, he is a manager who is always looking out for his players, always wants the best for them, and still to this day is in contact.”

12 months after Ferguson retired, Louis van Gaal shipped Welbeck to Arsenal in 2014.

Welbeck won the FA Cup twice at Arsenal before moving to Watford. After a troubled spell at Vicarage Road, he has rediscovered his form at Brighton.

In recent times, Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville have both suggested that Welbeck is still good enough to play for United. Further, the club’s hierarchy reportedly tried to bring back their former talent under Erik ten Hag.

With both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund struggling to put the ball into the back of the net, even Ruben Amorim could do with an experienced goalscorer like Welbeck.