Federico Macheda

Federico Macheda     20     Striker     Manchester United

Macheda is a player with a ‘that’ moment.

After scoring ‘that’ goal against Aston Villa in 2009, the Italian found himself in the spotlight for the first time and began to flirt with the fringes of United’s first team. With an obvious and natural finishing ability, and the sort of build that shrugs defenders aside and barrels through tackles, Macheda looked every inch the next brilliant discovery at United.

However, it was around this time that rumours circulated about Macheda's attitude, an arrogance that even Alex Ferguson admitted United needed to ‘keep an eye on’. Having been plucked from Lazio and scoring throughout the Manchester club’s youth and reserve system, it seemed a reality check might be the best thing that could happen to the young forward.

That came with an ultimately unsuccessful loan move to Sampdoria in January. Macheda struggled in a poor side as Samp were relegated, contributing only one Coppa Italia goal to the cause. On his return to Manchester, he stated that England was a better place to learn his craft but with a raft of strikers to surpass before making his way into the United first team, it appears Macheda's career is on a knife-edge. He could be something special but it’s time for Federico Macheda to prove he’s the player he is in his own mind.

“His Sampdoria move was a disaster, the club found themselves in a relegation battle and gave 'Kiko' little playing time. Now seemingly even behind Michael Owen at Old Trafford” – Adam Digby (Journalist)

D     There’s a great striker in there.....we think.