Macheda seals QPR loan move

Manchester United striker Federico Macheda has joined Queens Park Rangers on loan until the end of the season.

Macheda arrived at Old Trafford in 2007 and rose to prominence towards the end of the 2008/09 season with a series of goalscoring cameo appearances, but the Italian has since failed to build on this early promise and break into United’s starting line-up.

QPR boss Neil Warnock identified the young striker as one of his top January targets as he looks to bolster an attack which has yielded just 18 goals in 19 Premier League matches this season.

“This is a great opportunity for both parties,” Warnock told the club’s official website.

“Federico is not getting a regular game at United quite obviously because of the quality of the squad they’ve got.”

“Everybody in the league is in envy of what Sir Alex (Ferguson) has there, but what he is trying to do is get Federico some game time in the Premier League. I am sure he is still a part of their future plans.”

“I believe this can really work for us because he is positive and always in and around the box. He can finish too.”

“He puts defenders under pressure, he’s a strong lad and he’s got a yard of pace as well. If we can get him the ball in the right areas I am sure he can get us a few goals.”

“It’s a great way for us to start the January transfer window. I have said all along that we want to get a couple of younger lads in and that’s what we are going to do.”

Macheda revealed it was QPR’s ambition which convinced him to make the move to west London.

“I was attracted by the challenge and by the players that QPR brought in during the summer,” Macheda said.

“There are some very big players at the club now and I am really looking forward to training and playing with them.”

“I also know the fans are very, very passionate, and this interested me also.”

Warnock is also believed to be closely monitoring the situations of out-of-favour Fulham duo Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson, as well as Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong and Chelsea centre-back Alex.