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Danny Welbeck revealed that Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson rang him immediately after he dumped Newcastle United out of the FA Cup.
A gut-wrenching loss saw the Magpies surrender a lead as Brighton came from behind to progress to the quarter-finals. To make matters worse, former Toon winger Yankuba Minteh - sold against the club’s wishes last season - bagged for the Seagulls.
Ex-Sunderland loanee Welbeck sealed the deal in extra time to crush Newcastle’s dreams for another season. However, to say the blow was softened with a Carabao Cup triumph a fortnight later would be an understatement.
Eddie Howe’s men ended the 70-year wait without domestic silverware to banish the FA Cup negativity from two weeks earlier. They beat Premier League leaders Liverpool - and did so as Anthony Gordon watched from the stands.
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The Toon ace was sent off against Brighton - capping off a dismal afternoon for the Magpies - and remains suspended for another game. Welbeck received the post-match plaudits that day and received a post-match surprise from former manager Ferguson.
Speaking to the BBC, the Brighton striker opened up about how the 83-still remains in regular contact. Welbeck said: "After the Newcastle goal, I think he (Ferguson) was away in South Africa and he rang me and he was talking about the goal and the performance.
“It's 'No caller ID' that always rings and I was just like, 'Hello'. Sometimes I don't even answer as I don't know who it's going to be but it was him and he was just buzzing.
“To have that connection... he's a manager who was always looking out for his players, always wanting the best for him and, still to this day, we're still in contact."
Wayne Rooney, who played alongside Welbeck at Old Trafford, claimed the Seagulls star could still do a job for Man United. At 34, he has chipped in with seven Premier League goals this season.
“Danny's great to play alongside,” Rooney said after the Newcastle game. “If I'm completely honest I'd probably like to still see him here, playing for Manchester United.
“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."
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