Soccer:England striker Danny Welbeck has signed a new four-year contract at Manchester United. The Mancunian has committed his future to his childhood club until at least 2016.

Welbeck has played 64 times for United, scoring 17 goals, since making his debut in the League Cup against Middlesbrough in September 2008. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted: “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 Championship showed. This year is another important one for him. He has a bright future ahead of him.”

Welbeck said: “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. 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.”