Manchester United have announced that striker Danny Welbeck has signed a new four-year contract with the club.

The England international was a mainstay in the Red Devils' team last term, but with his contract running down negotiations took longer than expected.

However the attacker has put pen to paper on a new four-year deal, expressing his delight with the agreement.

"Playing for United is all I’ve ever wanted to do – it’s the club I’ve supported all my life. I can’t wait for the challenge of the new season to play my part in helping the team compete for trophies," he told the club's official website.

"I’m learning all the time from the best manager in the game and I’m keen for that to continue alongside the world class players in the squad."

Sir Alex Ferguson was also pleased at being able to wrap up a deal for the home-grown talent, who he feels has become an important man at Old Trafford.

"Danny has been with the club since he was eight years old and has made fantastic progress in the last couple of years – first out on loan and last year as a regular in the first team.

"He has become an important player at international level as well, as the maturity of his performances at the European Championships showed. This year is another important one for him. He has a bright future ahead of him," the Scot concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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