Macheda set to depart Manchester United in January

08/11/2012 4:20:00 AM

The 21-year-old has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford and looks poised to move away in search of first-team opportunities, although a switch to Serie A looks unlikely

Manchester United striker Federico Macheda is poised to leave the club in January in search of first-team opportunities, his agent has revealed.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a bright start to his career at Old Trafford - coming off the bench to grab vital goals against Aston Villa and Sunderland, but has failed to establish himself since then.

With Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck all currently ahead of him in the pecking order, another spell away from the club looks likely when the transfer window reopens in January.

His agent Giovanni Bia told Tuttomercatoweb.com: "Federico at this time is not finding space, and so it is clear that in January he will go away.

"But I don't think he'll be back again in Italy because usually in January clubs are looking for players that are already ready, unless there are teams with a quiet standing which want to do long-term projects with him."

Macheda joined United in 2007 and has netted 5 times in 33 appearances in all competitions for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

He has also had two loan spells away from the club so far - at Sampdoria and last season at QPR.