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EXCLUSIVE: BABA HAKUWA NA MOYO WA KUNIAMBIA KUWA CITY WALINITOLEA NJE. WELBECK 

‘My Dad didn’t tell me at the time, it was just before Christmas and he didn’t want to break any bad news. It wouldn’t have mattered though. I am one of those people that if you are going to say something, just say it. I take it on the chin.
‘Straight after Christmas I played in a tournament for my local side, Fletcher Moss, and that’s where United picked me up. I went for a trial and have never looked back since. I was always a Red anyway.’

Danny boy: Welbeck was turned down by Man City as a kid

Playing on the streets back then you would do things in the little games and think, “I’ll do this at Old Trafford”. Now it’s finally happening - it’s the stuff that dreams are made of,’ says  Welbeck.

Breakthrough year: Welbeck has been in fine form for United this season

International recognition: Welbeck looks certain to go to Euro 2012

Gunning for the title: United face a two-horse race against City

The partnership with Rooney  has exceeded even Ferguson’s expectations.
‘He is a Scouser, I am a Manc, but we are good friends. We are always  messing about and joking off the field, while on the pitch we just seem to work really well together. We kind of understand each other’s games,’ adds Welbeck.

Blossoming partnership: Rooney (left) and Welbeck have developed an understanding

Welbeck on... Man United

They teach their forwards to play four different positions - on the left, up front, behind the striker or on the right wing. It’s a great asset to have, being able to mix and match. When you are called upon by the senior team, it’s not then a whole new world for you

‘Obviously, partnering Wayne Rooney up front is a big honour and I’d hope he would say the same thing!’
Next up for Welbeck and United is Fulham at Old Trafford on Monday evening. United beat Fulham 5-0 in the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage earlier this season - both he and Rooney were on the scoresheet - but Welbeck admits United fans cannot be guaranteed another walkover.
‘We have been in the situation a few times this season where teams just want to sit back at Old Trafford and try and get us on the counter-attack,’ he says.
‘I think you have to keep playing your normal game, be patient and probe the openings by knocking the ball around.
‘You can’t get too impatient, that is what they want. You can’t let them get into your head.’
With that, Welbeck smiles again. He was talking about Fulham, but the  message was also aimed at City. The custard pie may be about to be flung back in their faces.