Former Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck has named a player who was ‘ten steps ahead’ of his teammates during his time at Old Trafford.
United look set for another disappointing season under current manager Erik ten Hag, with the club 14th in the Premier League following their goalless draw with Aston Villa on Sunday.
That result has increased the pressure on Ten Hag. But despite speculation he could be sacked, the Dutch manager looks set to remain at the helm – for now.
United’s current form is a far cry from the glory days under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, a period Welbeck knows well – having graduated from the club’s academy in 2008.
Speaking after Brighton’s 3-2 win over Tottenham on Sunday, Seagulls striker Welbeck revealed how big an influence his former United teammates have had on his career.
“I had great role models growing up at Man United, seeing you (Scholes), Giggsy,” Welbeck told former United midfielder Paul Scholes on Premier League Productions.
“Pat (Evra), Rio (Ferdinand), Wazza (Rooney), everyone. I kept a close eye on you. I probably watched you when I shouldn’t have been. I was watching everything and you always take everything in.
“I was thinking it about the other day, Scholsey when I was training with you, this guy is always ten steps ahead. I am thinking, ‘How is he ten steps ahead at this age?’ Now I am at this age, it’s just about that repetition and being in so many situations so many times.”
Welbeck and Scholes were at different stages of their career when they shared a dressing room, but the former midfielder’s advice clearly rubbed off on the Brighton striker.
Danny Welbeck alongside Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand after Man Utd won the Premier League in 2013 (Credit:Getty)
The Manchester-born forward was highly regarded as a youngster following his breakout season in the 2007/2008 campaign but never fully reached the heights expected of him at Old Trafford.
However, he has gone on to register 71 goals in his Premier League career, more than world-class players such as Eric Cantona and Luis Suarez.
Injuries have been a recurring theme throughout his playing days. However, winning trophies at Manchester United and Arsenal would satisfy most players.
“I have been unfortunate, a lot of them have been long-term injuries, and a lot of them have been from knocks and stuff like that,” Welbeck added.
The forward is enjoying an impressive run of form Brighton in the early weeks of the new season. This term he has already netted four times, including a goal against former club United.
Brighton currently sit sixth in the league and Welbeck does not look to be slowing down anytime soon.