Macheda keen to learn from Owen
Alex Ferguson may have described Macheda as the deadliest marksman at Old Trafford earlier this week. However, the teenage Italian knows he has plenty to do if he is to justify the faith Ferguson has shown in him by handing Macheda the coveted fourth striking role, rather than pay the kind of inflated fees being demanded by clubs across Europe for their star names this summer.
He has already made a decent start, scoring the opening goal on his first pre-season game on Monday as United recorded a two-goal triumph against a Malaysian XI.
Given they represent the strongest opposition on their four-match tour of the Far East, it is unlikely Macheda will retain his place for tomorrow’s encounter with FC Seoul.
More likely, the youngster will be unleashed against Hangzhou Greentown on Sunday ahead of a return to Europe to play in the Munich-based Audi Cup towards the end of next week.
If so, Macheda could find himself paired with Owen again, just as he was at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.
Macheda knows there is no-one better than the England international.
“It is very important for me to learn from Michael because he is one of the best strikers in the world.”
At the other end of the pitch, keeper Ben Foster is crossing his fingers that his body will stand the strain of trying to become a Man United regular and earning a place at the World Cup.
Foster has endured a catalogue of injuries since he was signed from Stoke four years ago.
After two seasons on loan at Watford, a cruciate ligament injury wrecked his first season at Old Trafford, a broken finger then cost him a place at last year’s Club World Cup in Japan before a thumb injury ended his hopes of appearing on the bench for last term’s Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.
Ahead of what is likely to be Edwin van der Sar’s last year at United, Foster knows he needs to make a big impression, both on Ferguson and Fabio Capello.
“If I want to go to the World Cup I need to be fit and I need to be playing for Manchester United,” he said.
“As long as I can stay fit I hope the gaffer gives me a chance to show what I can do.”
Given the position he finds himself in, Foster could have done without the blunder that gifted Malaysia their equalising goal in Kuala Lumpur.
Under little pressure as he went to control a Darron Gibson back-pass at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, Foster allowed it to bounce off his shin, straight to a delighted Mohammed Amri Yahyah, who tapped into an empty net.
“It was just one of those things,” said Foster. “I have to make sure that kind of thing doesn’t happen again.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
