Man Utd striker Macheda joins Stuttgart for rest of season

By Simon Jones for the Daily Mail

Published: 12:14 EDT, 24 January 2013 | Updated: 12:32 EDT, 24 January 2013

Manchester United striker Federico Macheda has joined Stuttgart on loan for the rest of the season.

The 21-year-old, who also had an offer from Spanish second division leaders Elche, trained with the Bundesliga side this morning ahead of finalising the terms of his loan.

The Italian has failed to establish himself in the United first team squad despite exploding onto the scene in 2009 with a title-defining winning goal on his debut against Aston Villa.

On his way: Federico Macheda will join up with Stuttgart on loan for the rest of the season

His goalscoring touch has deserted him in recent seasons and he has since had unsuccessful loan spells at Sampdoria and QPR.

He had wanted to try his luck in Spain but, despite initial interest from Levante and Real Betis, only second-tier Elche had a deal agreed with United.

But the opportunity to play in the Bundesliga seems more challenging. Stuttgart lie 10th in the table.

'I have followed the Bundesliga and naturally know about Stuttgart,' Macheda told www.manutd.com.

'I am glad that I can now play for the club.

Remember this: Macheda scored a vital goal against Aston Villa for United in 2009

'For me, it is about getting to know the team and what I can bring because we have a lot of interesting games in three different competitions in front
of us.'

Former Bolton striker Fredi Bobic is director of football at Stuttgart and said last week: 'We have been watching Macheda for a while now. He is one of the players we have on our shortlist.'