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With Wayne Rooney reported to be facing anything up to a month on the sidelines after suffering a sprained ankle against Bayern Munich, Sir Alex will have to call on young Italian Federico Macheda. The 18-year-old wonder-kid practically won the League for us last season, can he do it again ? 

‘Kiko’ replaced Luis Nani while United were losing 1-0 to Aston Villa at Old Trafford last season, Cristiano Ronaldo equalised in the 80th minute. Then in the 3rd minute of stoppage time, Kiko turned and twisted and curled the ball around Brad Fredial, to give The Reds all three points in the Title Race, the points were vital, as United had lost their two previous games against Liverpool and Fulham.

Kiko then came on in place of Dimitar Berbatov in the following match against Sunderland. The two sides were level, and within 45 seconds he scored the winner – amazing !

The young striker has played for United’s U-18’s and The Reserves on numerous occasions after signing from Lazio back in 2007, but he has only made 6 first team appearances for The Red Devils, scoring twice (the above). Kiko has been hard-hit with injuries, but Sir Alex is now ready to let the Italian fly-high with the first team, replacing the injured Wayne Rooney… 

“Young Macheda’s had a terrible season with injuries,” Sir Alex said in Munich. “But he made a return against Bolton last Saturday and we were absolutely delighted. He’s one of the most exceptional young strikers I’ve seen in my time at United. He has every chance of taking part in big matches. His ability around the box for a young player is outstanding.”