The Manchester United striker, who signed a new deal at Old Trafford before joining the Brewers on loan last week, came off the bench to level the scores at 2-2, only for the promotion-chasing Rams to snatch an injury-time winner through Conor Hourihane.
It meant a losing start for new boss Martin Paterson but plenty of encouragement for what lies ahead in their League One campaign.
When asked by Burton's official media if he could have envisaged such a great opening to life at the club, he replied: "Maybe not as quick but I always imagined a perfect start for me.