Sir Alex Ferguson’s classy gesture to Danny Welbeck revealed 12 years after striker last played for Man Utd legend

DANNY WELBECK has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson still calls him after games.

The Brighton star, 34, came through the ranks at Manchester United under the legendary Scot.

Welbeck won a Premier League title with the Red Devils, but was sold to Arsenal just 12 months after Ferguson's 2013 departure.

Ahead of this weekend's FA Cup quarter-finals, the striker revealed that his old boss, 83, contacted him after his goal against Newcastle in the last round.

Speaking to the BBC, Welbeck said: “[Sir Alex Ferguson] actually phoned me after the Newcastle goal.

“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.”

Welbeck's brilliant extra time winner against Newcastle set up this Saturday's quarter-final between Brighton and Nottingham Forest.

The former England star has had a productive season on the South Coast, scoring seven Premier League goals in just 17 starts.

His Toon strike even prompted former Man Utd team-mate Wayne Rooney to make a big claim.

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The Red Devils' all-time leading goalscorer, 39, said: “Danny's great to play alongside.

“If I'm completely honest I'd probably like to still see him here, playing forManchesterUnited.

“He's scored goals throughout his career. He had injuries in the early part of his career but he seems to have got over them and he's having a fantastic season.”

Welbeck recently revealed that he is part of a WhatsApp group full of former Man Utd stars.

He toldSky Sports: “Everybody plays a part. It's a lot of banter, chatting aboutfootballand a lot of banter.”

Asked who the admin is,Welbeckreplied: “I think it might be Rio [Ferdinand].

“He just chats doesn't he. You know what he's like he just chats and chats.

“He loves it. He's making a career out of talking now so…we give me a lot of stick too.”