Welbeck scored his first goal for United in their 5-0 victory over Stoke yesterday, fulfilling a childhood dream for the lifelong Red Devils fan.

However, he has immediately been whisked away by the Three Lions to represent England Under-19s in a friendly against Germany at Colchester on Tuesday.

And as Welbeck has only just recovered from a knee injury, Ferguson is worried the Longsight-born youngster might be putting his fitness at risk.

"He has hardly played since he got the injury playing for England in the first place," said the United boss.

"Now he is going away again to play for them again on Tuesday.

"You don't get a break with these things. I would prefer the boy to get some basis of training before he starts playing football all the time.

"He is still a boy. He is growing and maturing in his physique.

"We have to be careful with that. If they keep getting small injuries, it ends up with a big one."

The argument might be lost on Welbeck, who will join up with Brian Eastick's squad scarcely able to believe what has happened.

He made only his second first-team appearance in the Carling Cup win over QPR on Tuesday and has now followed that up with his Premier League debut and a goal in front of the Stretford End, a blistering 20-yard effort after he had collected possession close to the halfway line and exchanged passes with fellow new boy Manucho.

"It is amazing really," said Welbeck.

"For someone coming from Manchester, to come on and score in front of the Stretford End on my debut. It is what every young boy would dream of.

"I have thought about it ever since I started playing football and I can't imagine any better feeling."

Welbeck wasted no time in watching a replay once he got back into the home dressing room after United's biggest win of the season.

And he has assured the Old Trafford faithful he will not be getting too big for his boots.

"I have seen it quite a few times on video analysis already," he smiled.

"But it has just made me hungry for more.

"There is no better experience than to play with top class players every week. I just want to improve as much as I can.

"I am sure I will keep my feet on the ground. I am quite level-headed anyway, so I will just take it in my stride."