• Premier League

United give Macheda loan deal the all-clear

ESPNsoccernet staff
December 29, 2010
Federico Macheda has struggled to hold down a permanent place in Manchester United's starting XI © PA Photos
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Manchester United are prepared to let teenage striker Federico Macheda return to Italy on loan in January, according to the player's agent.

Macheda, 19, has only managed 12 appearances this season and has just one goal to his name - though it was a crucial strike in United's 2-2 draw away to Aston Villa in November.

Interest in Macheda has emerged from Italy before, but United have previously resisted approaches from Serie A clubs. But the Italy Under-21 international's agent Marcello Bonetto believes Sir Alex Ferguson is now ready to let Macheda return to his homeland to gain more first team experience.

"Federico could leave United, that is true, but only on loan," Bonetto told Fiorentina.it. "The club and Ferguson have absolute faith in Chicco. With the return of Michael Owen, confirmation of Wayne Rooney, plus the fine form for Dimitar Berbatov and [Javier] Hernandez, the space for him in Manchester has been reduced.

"We talked it over and were given the all-clear by Ferguson to go on loan for six months in January to gain experience. If we do decide to leave Manchester, then Italy represent the most likely destination.

"Up until now we have not been contacted by anybody, but will only choose a club that can guarantee Federico consistent playing time. That's the only reason for leaving Manchester. Fiorentina have not contacted us, but can do whenever they want."

Macheda arrived at Old Trafford from Lazio in a controversial deal in 2007, with the Serie A side unhappy that he was taken off them before he was eligible to sign his first professional contract.

Lazio are among the clubs reportedly interested in bringing him back to Italy, with Fiorentina, Juventus and Parma also thought to be monitoring the United youngster ahead of the transfer window.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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