Wellbeck happy with United life

Danny Welbeck is living the dream at Manchester United - and he cannot wait for the Carling Cup to come round again to continue the story.

Welbeck does not even celebrate his 18th birthday until November but already he has shown glimpses of the talent that could turn him into a United first-team regular.

Over the last few years, England's secondary cup competition has been the graveyard for many prospective Red Devils careers rather than their launchpad.

But Welbeck is among a group of youngsters who could really benefit this time around judging by last night's 3-1 win over Middlesbrough.

And the Manchester-born striker will be keeping an eye on Saturday's fourth round draw with eager anticipation.

"This competition gives me an opportunity to play more games and show what I can do," said Welbeck.

"The manager usually gives the youngsters a go and you have seen it again.

"Now we will just wait to see who we get in the next round but I am looking forward to it."

The injury sustained by another of Ferguson's promising youngsters, Rodrigo Possebon, against Boro is a reminder of how fragile life in the football world can be.

But along with Possebon, brothers Rafael and Fabio Da Silva, the latter of whom missed Tuesday's game following a shoulder operation, and keeper Ben Amos, Welbeck is among a quintet of young stars who show genuine promise.

He had an inkling he would be picked last night but when Ferguson tapped him on the shoulder, Welbeck admitted it still came as a shock.

"When the manager told me I was in I just thought 'wow'," said the England Under-19 international.

"But then you have to get your head around it, get focused on the game and do my usual stuff.

"It was a real challenge because it was more or less a full strength Middlesbrough side.

"But everybody handled it well and now we are just looking forward."

Welbeck declared himself satisfied with his own contribution, even if he did not get the goal he wanted.

"I thought I did particularly well in the first-half," he said.

"I had a chance right at the start of the second but I have watched it again on the replay and it wasn't as easy as I thought at the time.

"Overall, it was just a great experience.

"I have the chnce to be play with other great young players and also to learn off the older ones.

"I am looking to take it all on board for the future when I am called upon again.

"Manchester United is the best place to be at the moment. I am loving it."