Sir Alex Ferguson claims fit-again Federico Macheda is "one of most
exciting young strikers" he has had in over 23 years at Manchester
United.
The Italy Under-21 star burst onto the scene in extraordinary
fashion last term, scoring the crucial injury-time matchwinner
against Aston Villa before netting an equally important effort at
Sunderland a week later.
Those goals proved pivotal in United securing their 18th
league title and led Ferguson to believe Macheda was mature enough
to hold down a prominent position amongst his striking quartet.
Injury and a loss of form have meant Macheda not quite making
the progress that was expected.
However, now fit after a recent calf problem, the 18-year-old
is available to shore up an attacking department that has been
lacking numbers ever since Michael Owen was ruled out for the
season in February.
He made his first Premier League appearance of the season as
a late substitute for Ryan Giggs in the four-goal hammering of
Bolton at the weekend and Macheda is likely to be on the bench for
Tuesday night's Champions League quarter-final against Bayern
Munich in the Allianz Arena.
And, although he was used sparingly at the start of the
campaign, Ferguson is convinced the teenager has a big part to play
over the coming weeks.
"Macheda has had a terrible season with injuries," reflected
the United chief.
"But he came back on Saturday and I am delighted about that
because without question he is one of the most exciting young
strikers I have had in my time at Manchester United.
"He has every chance of being on the bench against Bayern
because his ability about the box for a young player is
outstanding."
