Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has assured Danny Welbeck of his first team chances following Robin van Persie's arrival.

Ferguson has attempted to quell any disquiet from the Welbeck camp by insisting the 21-year-old has a big future.

"Danny is 22 November," said Ferguson.

"As we know he has had growth spurts for the last few years and misses parts of seasons because of the little niggles he gets.

"He will still get little strains every now and then but when he has completed growing and is 23 or 24, he will be a fantastic player.

"He will learn from playing with Robin and Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez.

"We have a great combination of strikers now and that encourages me.

"It will be difficult for me but it is better that the whole team enjoys success because we have added another great player rather than worrying if they are going to play or not.

"They have to share in the way forward."