Manchester United's Federico Macheda a target for Jose Mourinho's Inter

21 June 2009 11:45
The 17-year-old, who played a decisive part in United's successful defence of their Premier League title last season when he scored winning goals in consecutive matches against Aston Villa and Sunderland, is highly rated at United and Mourinho will not find a deal easy to strike. With Carlos Tevez now leaving the club along with Cristiano Ronaldo, Ferguson is keen to add to his attacking options rather than see them further depleted. However, in a report carried by the Sunday People newspaper, friends of the striker have indicated the Rome-born teenager would be amiable to a return to his native Italy. Macheda only signed professional forms with United on his birthday back in August, after United convinced the player and his family to leave the youth set up at Lazio, and the club insist that he is not for sale. With the money to be received for Ronaldo United are in a position of strength but Mourinho has identified Macheda as central to his building a side at the San Siro capable of adding a European title to the Serie A crown which has rested with Inter for four seasons now. His interest would be further increased – along with his spending power – should, as expected, Zlatan Ibrahimovic leave the club, with Barcelona the favourites to land the talented Swede.

Source: Telegraph