Jan 24
Italians ailing United career Stutters its way to Germany
Manchester United have today confirmed that young Italian forward, Kiko Macheda, is set to join VfB Stuttgart on loan for the remainder of the season.
A club statement on their website says…..
United have reached an agreement with the Bundesliga club and the Italian is in Germany completing the temporary transfer.
Stuttgart are currently in 10th place in the German top-flight and and have been in the market for a new striker.
Director of sport Fredi Bobic admitted Macheda has been scouted extensively and a deal was clinched following positive discussions with Sir Alex, despite competition for his services.
Macheda, who will wear No14 at his new club, is United’s leading goalscorer at Under-21 level this term and was on the bench for the FA Cup third-round draw at West Ham. After previous loan stints with Sampdoria and QPR, the striker will be determined to make his mark.
“I have followed the Bundesliga and naturally know about Stuttgart,” said Macheda. “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.”
Macheda joined United in 2008 introducing himself to the Old Trafford faithful with an unbelievable, almost title winning strike from the edge of the area against Aston Villa in April 09′.
Since then however, Macheda has struggled to make a lasting impact at the club beyond impressive displays at Reserves/U21 level thus forcing his boss to loan him out to first Italian giants, Sampdoria and then West Londoners Queens Park Rangers with both spells proving unsuccessful thanks to injuries and management sackings.
How do you rate Kiko’s time at United so far and will this latest foray oversees arm him with the tools to succeed at United?
What’s held Kiko back? Is it his attitude, ability or is it no surprise he can’t force his way into a squad boasting four exceptional forwards?
Related items from Red Rants:
The_Philosopher (408)
Redrich (221)
Opti (210)
Stephen (151)
Moscow (147)
Once again we see another young acquisition crash and (almost) burn under the the very bright OT limelight.
I have to ask the question, “why do we bother signing them in the first place, and then why do we try to turn a mushroom into a truffle”. I know that once in a great while you can can get a keeper (in fishing terms), but it’s rare, really rare, and if this is a club philosophy, why aren’t those responsible for these failed signings held to task.
It’s not just a huge waste and money or time for the club, but it’s a huge lead weight that we’ve hung on the careers of these wide eyed tyros.
Is there a solid scouting and recruiting team at OT or does SAF hold a wet thumb up to the wind and make a decision based on a sense of, … shall we say, how he looks in the paddock? As a gambling man, does he just enjoy the thrill of the odds.
I was horrified to read that Ferguson’s interest in Zaha stemmed mainly from a tip from his son Darren. OK, but is there no one in the United organization that is closer to his ear?
Like?
2 
0
@Redrich: Yeah and he bought Bebe without even watching him play after a tip from old friend and then Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz.
I wonder if he called Queiroz back said “What rubbish advice you gave me!”
Macheda is suffering under the pressure. Maybe at another club he will develop into a really good player.
Bring on Viktor Fischer!!!
Like?
0 
0
@Redrich: Completely agree Redrich. Our selection and development of young talent has been poor over the last few years – Pogba, Bebe, Macheda, Diouf, Tosic – just a few who spring to mind. I worry for those still with us – Powell, Tunniciffe, Petrucci, etc – none of them getting game time, or being loaned out. I’m trying to think of good outcomes of these loan spells – Welbeck and Cleverley being perhaps notable examples. For many though, it’s just the first step in severing the ties; an admission of not being good enough for Utd. What’s up with the academy these days?? Why are we not producing the technically gifted players that we want to keep at all costs for first team duty? Why do we need to go out and spend 10-15+M on the Jones’s, Zaha’s, Smallings, De Gea’s etc (& dare I mention, Young…)? From a purely financial standpoint, we may as well do away with the academy based on the paucity of top players it has produced for us in recent years. A sad state of affairs indeed for our beloved Manchester United.
Like?
0 
0
@ForeverRed: Yeah and in essence the acquisitions of “ready-to-go” players has, by and large, been a good investment for us compared with the £’s squandered on those you name. I can’t be bothered to do the math, but I would bet that the money spent on “possible” starters exceed that of our current best starting eleven.
If the RVP trade tells you anything, it’s that an influx of established quality will lift a team beyond all expectations. On the other hand, the development of possible quality leads to years of wondering about if and when!
I think that a good philosophy is to do both. If you were to buy a starting CMF, then have/or get one that can learn from his example. You cannot simply take a player like Cleverly and expect him to establish his own level of excellence. He needs to have the hunger to emulate someone at the top of their game.
Like?
1 
0
But aren’t Manchester United are about more than that? Look at all the professional players it creates, look at the championship and PL to see just how many players our Academy creates. Yes ok the greatest players don’t seem to be materialising but I think United put more emphasis on creating efficient team players rather than outstanding individuals. It’s up to the individual to take the next step themselves á la Ronaldo.
Like?
0 
0
@Ian: Yes, United’s legacy has always been about a total team effort, the fact that they win when they really shouldn’t, and back in the day, with a ton of homegrown players who came through our youth teams or that were developed at an early age.
The key to recent successes, though, has been because of our acquisitions and not because our success in developing youth, and with the amount of money and effort put into trying to make that happen, there has to be a question or two asked about why, and why them!
I can imagine that part of our Financial vision is the “puppy mill” approach, where we can develop and sell at a profit, and if that’s the case, what went wrong!! How on earth can we sit on our hands and watch this constant march of mediocrity paraded in front of us.
On the other hand, it could be that those in charge of evaluating young talent do not have a good eye for it!
Honestly, Ian, there has been nothing of note for years. I wish there was but in all honesty, I don’t see much at all.
Like?
1 
0
That Viktor Fischer kid looks hot.
He should replace Macheda.
I feel sorry for Macheda he is a good kid. But he just can’t deliver right now.
Maybe the loan will help. But maybe this is his final United chapter.
Like?
0 
0