Macheda set for loan move

Manchester United's Italian striker Federico Macheda appears set to return to his homeland on loan when the January transfer window opens.

The 19-year-old has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford and has scored just once in 12 appearances this season.

Macheda's representative Marcello Bonetto told Fiorentina.it United were keen to loan him out to gain more experience at the top level.

"Federico could leave United, that is true, but only on loan," Bonetto said.