Manchester United striker doubts club return

It seems lightyears ago since Federico 'Kiko' Macheda burst onto the scene with a dramatic winner at the Stretford End against Aston Villa. Despite the promise shown that day, Sky Sports has reported, to nobody's surprise, that his future looks to lie elsewhere. 

The lack of progress made by the Italian forward has led to limited first team chances, and thus he feels that a return to the Manchester club 'wouldn't make sense'.

The Rome born striker is currently on loan with German club Stuttgart where he has a miserly record of no goal in four games, since joining in January. The Bundesliga outfit have an agreement in place to make the deal permanent in the summer, but are unlikely to do so unless his form improves. 

Reports in his native Italy have linked Macheda with a dream move to boyhood club Lazio, whom he left for Manchester United in 2007.  

When asked about his future at Old Trafford, which is contracted to last until next summer, Macheda said:

"I have had injuries and loan spells and they haven't really worked. But I am adapting now here at Stuttgart. That takes time. The important thing now is to find my place; get some playing time and develop as a player.

"Manchester United was more difficult than any club in the world because of the talent of the players there and because of the attention and the pressure. It wouldn't make sense to go back and do what I have done for the last two years. Maybe in the future I could go back, but not now."