Welbeck jokes 'drug testers' after stunner knocks United out of FA Cup

Goal reports Danny Welbeck joked that revealing the secret of his longevity would bring "drug testers" after he scored a stunner as Brighton beat Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford to knock his former club out of the FA Cup on Jan 12, 2026.

The 35-year-old hammered a left-footed strike into the top corner — his fifth goal against his boyhood club in Brighton colours — helping the Seagulls secure the win. Asked how he continues to perform at that age, Welbeck quipped, "I can't give away my secret. If I say too much, drug testers will come for me!" He then said his form comes from natural gifts and hard work: "I'm good, I'm clean, I've got good genetics, good family... I work hard every day, I look after myself. I eat well, prepare well for every single training session."

Welbeck's revival has prompted talk of an England recall ahead of the 2026 World Cup in America and the source notes Thomas Tuchel is willing to pick players in form. The striker declined to be drawn on that possibility, saying, "Do you know, for me, I'm focussing on the here and now," while Brighton remain six points outside the top four and targeting Champions League qualification; Welbeck also praised the squad's depth after the cup win.

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Sports, Danny Welbeck, Brighton, Manchester United, Old Trafford, Fa Cup