Kiko: Loan Move Hasn't Worked Out

Federico Macheda has admitted that his time on loan in Italy has been a waste of time.

He joined Sampdoria at the beginning of the year to replace Antonio Cassano, who had just left for AC Milan.

After scoring in the Coppa Italia tie against Udinese in his second game, he has struggled to impress. He has scored twice for Italy U-21 in this time but is looking forward to returning to United.

“I don’t know why it hasn’t worked for me at Sampdoria, perhaps people expected that I would replace Cassano,” said Macheda. “But I’m not Cassano, I am Macheda. And the Italian football, the tactics, is different to the English. I prefer the English, more physical and faster. The chief scout from United does come to Italy to watch me play.”

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Kiko will be returning to the club in the summer.

“I speak to Macheda by phone,” he said. “In June, I want him back. He is a natural scorer.”