Macheda set to return for United

FEDERICO MACHEDA is ready for more end-of-season heroics at Old Trafford.

The Italy U21 star burst onto the scene 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 Alex Ferguson to believe Macheda was mature enough to hold down a prominent position amongst his striking quartet. Injury and a loss of form, however, have meant Macheda has not made the expected progress.

Now fit after a calf problem, the 18-year-old is available to shore up an attacking department lacking numbers since Michael Owen was ruled out in February.

He made his first league appearance of the season as a late sub for Ryan Giggs in the four-goal hammering of Bolton at the weekend and was on the bench for last night’s Champions League quarter-final.

And Ferguson is convinced the Italian has a big part to play in the coming weeks. “Macheda has had a terrible season with injuries,” reflected the United chief. “But he has every chance of being involved from here on because his ability about the box is outstanding.”