Bright future would be very Wel deserved

BENEATH Sir Alex Ferguson’s branded mask, even for just the briefest moment, there was probably a smile.

He goes back a long way with Danny Welbeck (above).

Fergie remains a mentor, remains a sounding board, however infrequently, for a player who has been through more physical and mental challenges than most.

In terms of injuries, Welbeck has been through the wringer and there have been times when he has been in tears in his hospital bed.

He scored on his Premier League debut in this stadium back in 2008 and, since then, has accumulated not far short of three years’ worth of enforced absences. Knee, ankle, hamstring, you name it.

But he has always faced that adversity with such resilience. It is hard to think of a more popular player in the game.

And when unhindered by physical setbacks, it is hard to think of a more underrated one. Not by England managers. He won his first cap in 2011 and Gareth Southgate took him to World Cup 2018.

The intelligence of his movement for his goal here, and the sharpness of his reaction after the initial header was saved, were demonstrations of a natural striking talent.

Welbeck is 31 later this year and his short-term Brighton contract expires in the summer. Club and player will sit down to see where they stand at the end of the season.

If the former remains in the Premier League and the latter remains fit, their relationship should continue – and maybe even go on for a few untroubled years to come.

If anyone deserves those, it is Danny Welbeck.