Macheda set for Stuttgart loan

Manchester United striker Federico Macheda is joining Stuttgart on loan for the remainder of the season.

Macheda has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford after scoring a famous debut goal against Aston Villa as a 17-year-old that helped secure the Premier League title in 2009.

Loan spells at Sampdoria and QPR have both proved disappointing and now the Italian is looking to kick-start his career in Germany. "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.

"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."