Danny Welbeck gets new contract at Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson have moved to assure Danny Welbeck that despite the signing of Robin Van Persie from Arsenal, he still is primary to his plans by offering the lad from Manchester a new four year deal.

The argument had been that with the signing of Van Persie who replaced Welbeck after an hour on the Monday night loss to Everton, what eventually becomes of the promising young striker Welbeck. Last season, Ferguson preferred Welbeck- Rooney partnership and the young Mexican striker Chicharito rarely featured for the Red Devils. Now with the signing of Van Persie, it is still unclear how Ferguson intends to use his array of strikers which includes Berbatov and Marcheda.

Ferguson however says a new contract for the 21 year old was never in doubt.

“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,” manager Sir Alex Ferguson the manager told manutd.com.

“He has become an important player at international level as well, as the maturity of his performances at the European Championship showed. This year is another important one for him. He has a bright future ahead of him.” Ferguson said.

Welbeck also expressed delight at signing a contract with the Old Trafford side.

“Playing for United is all I’ve ever wanted to do - it’s the club I’ve supported all my life,” Welbeck said. 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.”

Welbeck’s progress was rewarded in the summer when he represented England at the Euro Championships where he got a goal for his country against Sweden.

Welbeck has scored 17 goals in 64 appearances for United since his first appearance against Middlesbrough in the League Cup in September 2008.