Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had no doubts starting their draw at Liverpool with Danny Welbeck leading the line.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a fabulous start to the campaign after returning from his loan at Sunderland last season and was the only striker selected in the XI against Liverpool. The forward's growing maturity is marking him out as a key man for the Reds and Fabio Capello also looks set to rely on his skills in the wake of Wayne Rooney's suspension.

"Danny was a kid here and was always an outstanding talent," Ferguson told manutd.com. "We had to be patient with his physical part because he grew very tall very quickly and became gangly and weak. He suffered quite a few injuries in his knees simply because of his growth but, if you see him now, he's a massive boy, a big powerful lad and, physically, he's fine.

"I think he's ready for England too. I don't think there's any doubt about that. He's got a talent as good as anyone in the English game for the forwards and I think he's almost certain to get his chance now.

"He has great belief in himself, the boy. He's a confident lad and intelligent. I think he's ready and I don't think there's any doubt."