Sir Alex Ferguson’s Unexpected Call to Former Manchester United Player Danny Welbeck
Published: 21:21 GMT, 28 Mar 2025
Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson recently reached out to Danny Welbeck, a player the club sold over a decade ago, in a heartwarming phone call. This gesture highlights Ferguson’s enduring connection with his former players and his keen eye for talent, even after retirement.
During his illustrious tenure as Manchester United’s manager, Sir Alex Ferguson cemented his legacy by securing an unprecedented 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies, among a host of other accolades. His departure in 2013 marked the end of an era, and subsequent managers have faced the daunting task of replicating his success at Old Trafford.
In 2014, during the post-Ferguson transition, Manchester United made the decision to sell striker Danny Welbeck to rivals Arsenal for a reported £16 million. This transfer sparked debate among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning the logic of letting go of a homegrown talent.
Adding fuel to this debate, Rene Meulensteen, who served as Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United, expressed his belief that Sir Alex would never have approved the Danny Welbeck transfer. Meulensteen emphasized Ferguson’s long-standing philosophy of nurturing young players and providing them with opportunities to flourish within the first team squad.
Meulensteen stated, “No, definitely not. If you consider Sir Alex Ferguson’s history at Manchester United, you’ll see we consistently focused on developing young talent and integrating them into the team. While some may have questioned Danny Welbeck’s goalscoring record, it’s crucial to consider the players around him, the competition for places, and whether he was consistently deployed in his favoured position.”
Following his move from Manchester United, Danny Welbeck played for Arsenal, scoring 32 goals in 126 appearances. He then moved to Watford in 2019, and subsequently joined Brighton & Hove Albion in 2020. At 34 years old, Welbeck continues to perform consistently for Brighton, having scored 34 goals in 152 games for “The Seagulls”.
Recently, Welbeck revealed the unexpected phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson after he scored in an FA Cup match against Newcastle United. This call underscores the lasting bond between Ferguson and his former protégés.
Speaking to the BBC, Welbeck recounted the phone call: “After the Newcastle goal, I think he [Ferguson] was traveling in South Africa, and he called me. He spoke about the goal and my overall performance. It was a ‘No caller ID’ number that popped up, and I initially hesitated to answer, but I’m glad I did. It was him, and he was genuinely delighted.”
Welbeck further elaborated on their enduring relationship, “To maintain that connection… it speaks volumes about him as a manager. He genuinely cared for his players, always wanted the best for them, and even now, we still keep in touch.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Danny Welbeck, Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Brighton And Hove Albion
Want to know more about Manchester United legends?
Read more articles about Manchester United’s history and iconic players on our site. Click here to explore!