Macheda set to depart Manchester United in January

Nov 7, 2012 5:20:00 PM

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.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!

play

open

Inside Goal.Com

Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants six new signings
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind