Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that he will not let Federico Macheda leave Manchester United on loan.
United boss wants to keep his eye on youngster's progress
Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that he will not allow Federico Macheda to leave Manchester United on loan, as he wants to keep an eye on the player's attitude.
The 18-year-old is just one of several forwards vying for a place in United's first team this season.
He is, however, behind Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen and new boy Javier Hernandez in the pecking order, so it is unlikely he will be a fixture in the starting line-up.
Macheda burst on to the scene in the spring of last year as a 17-year-old by scoring a stunning last-minute winner against Aston Villa at Old Trafford and another late goal against Sunderland, two crucial strikes in United's title success that season.
Arrogance
The Italian prodigy has struggled to build on the impact he made that year due to a long-term injury last season, but Ferguson is clearly a fan of the player, although he has issues with his over-confidence.
"He is one we have to keep a close eye on," said Ferguson.
"He has a cocky arrogance about him. He will argue with players in a training session and he will compete for his ego.
"But he's only 18, he's not 19 until October and we keep forgetting that. He is an exceptional talent and he is tough. He does not get bullied in games. He gives a good as he gets.
"There was no chance of us ever letting him go on loan - he stays here. We need to keep an eye on him."
