Former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck had a humorous response to his productivity in front of goal at the age of 35. The Englishman, now playing for Brighton & Hove Albion, scored to oust his former club in the FA Cup on Sunday (January 11).
Brajan Gruda broke the deadlock for the visitors at Old Trafford inside 12 minutes before former Red Devils man doubled Brighton's advantage midway through the second period.
Although caretaker boss Darren Fletcher's side pulled one back through Benjamin Sesko five minutes from time, Shea Lacy saw red in the 90th minute as the hosts ended with 10 men to bow out.
Welbeck - who has scored nine times in 23 games across competitions this season - joked that if he divulges the secret to his form, he could attract drug testers:
"I can't really give away the secret. ... if I say too much, drug testers will come for me," the Englishman said (as per Sport Bible).
On a serious note, Welbeck added:
“I’m good. I’m clean. I’ve got good genes, my mum and dad blessed me with good genes. A lot of hard work. I work hard every single day. I look after myself, I eat well. I’m feeling good and feeling strong.”
The 35-year-old scored 29 times in 142 games across competitions for the Red Devils between 2008 and 2014.
How many times has Danny Welbeck scored against Manchester United?
Former Manchester United hitman Danny Welbeck
Former Manchester United hitman Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck has been the scourge of Manchester United since leaving the Premier League giants in the summer of 2014 for arch-rivals Arsenal, where he would play for five seasons.
At Brighton & Hove Albion since October 2020, Welbeck has scored eight times in 19 games across competitions against the Red Devils, following his second-half strike at Old Trafford on Sunday. That's the joint-most he has netted against any side (also Wolverhampton Wanderers - eight goals in 26 matches).
Welbeck's first goal against United came at Old Trafford in the 2014-15 season, in a 2-1 Premier League defeat for Arsenal. Six of his goals against the Red Devils have come in the top flight (winning three, losing three).
Sunday's goal marked the second time Welbeck scored against Manchester United in the FA Cup, eliminating them on both occasions (also 2014-15 sixth round, 2-1 away win for Arsenal).