Federico Macheda, the young Italian striking sensation, has spoken publicly about a supposed move away from Old Trafford. The teenager, who burst onto the scene with a splendid last minute match winning goal against Aston Villa in 2009 – which helped Manchester United retain the title that season, has been linked with a transfer away from Manchester United for the best part of the last year and a half. The rumours have never had much substance but they have been so persistent that the perceived interest has led to Macheda and Manchester United speaking out publicly to clarify what is true and what isn’t.
Macheda said ”I have known about Juventus’ interest and any player would be happy to play for such a big club. They are of a similar stature to Manchester United. For now I only think about Manchester United.” The quote, made to an Italian newspaper, indicates the interest from Juventus is genuine and suggests that Macheda has even considered a move to the Italian giants but has decided, for the meantime, to stay in the North of England. Macheda has also regularly been linked with a return to Lazio, the club from which he was signed three years ago for a nominal sum, if any fee at all was involved in the deal. Macheda was born in Rome but it is well known that when he moved to Manchester the majority of his immediate family moved with him to England. The striker has scored 3 goals in 12 appearances for Manchester United in the Premier League, an impressive return considering these appearances usually happen from the substitutes bench, which means he has less time to make an impact. Macheda has also played for the under 16, under 17, under 19 and under 21 Italian national youth sides and it is believed he will make his senior international debut within a couple of years, once he has established himself as a more permanent fixture in the Manchester United starting eleven.
Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, has routinely said Federico Macheda is not for sale. The manager has even gone so far as to say the young Italian is the best finisher at the club with a natural instinct at finding the target. Macheda has acknowledged his managers support saying ”Sir Alex Ferguson, a manager of class, history and charisma, has said he wants me to stay and this is enough for me.”
