Macheda is ready to rumble

Houston: Manchester United's teenage Italian striker Federico Macheda believes he can challenge the club's senior players for a first-team place this season and make a lasting impact on the Premier League.

"I am ready and I hope that the manager will choose me for more games. I think this could be my year," he told Reuters after scoring twice in a 5-2 pre-season win over Major League Soccer's All Stars on Wednesday.

The Rome-born forward, who turns 19 next month, made an instant impact on his debut in April 2009 with a superb winner against Aston Villa but his progress was hampered last season by injury.

It was clear from his aggressive display in the friendly in Houston that he is determined to make up for that lost time.

"I had played in the previous tour games but I hadn't been very happy with my performance, so I really wanted to show to everyone that I was ready," he said.

"We're getting close to the start of the season and so I'm really pleased with those two goals. I have to continue doing well. I have to be ready for any chance that the manager [Alex Ferguson] gives me."

With Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen perhaps not ready to fire on all cylinders at the start of the season, and Dimitar Berbatov still trying to find his best form at Old Trafford, Macheda knows he could get a chance early in the campaign.

"Last season I had a lot of injuries — I was out for nearly five months and so I couldn't really show my ability — but this season I hope to have more space and show what I can do," he said.

Tremendous composure

Macheda's opening goal against the All Stars was aided by a dreadful pass from MLS defender Kevin Alston but the Italian, who United captured from Lazio's youth team, showed tremendous composure to finish the chance.

Ferguson, whom Macheda calls a "splendid person and a fantastic coach", said the goal confirmed what he and his staff had long believed about the Italian's finishing ability.

"We always think Macheda is the best going through on the goalkeeper that we have," Ferguson said.

"He's outstanding at that in these positions. When he went through, I expected him to score. It was a well taken goal."

That is praise indeed from a manager who can call on strikers of the quality of Rooney, Owen and Berbatov.

The arrival of Mexican striker Javier Hernandez provides yet more competition for places in attack but Macheda shrugged off the suggestion he has a new rival for a starting spot.

"I think we have seven strikers in the team and they are all a challenge, bringing in one more or having one less doesn't make much difference," said the Italian.

"He [Hernandez] is a good lad, very confident and with a lot of quality. He's calm, respectful and he has been well received by the players," Macheda said.

Mexican striker living a dream

Mexico international striker Javier Hernandez said he is living a dream ahead of Friday's friendly between former club Chivas of Guadalajara and new side Manchester United.

Hernandez, 22 and nicknamed Chicharito (Little Pea), told reporters ahead of the match in Guadalajara that he could hardly wait to show his stuff as he prepared to play one half for both sides.

"It's a real dream. When I was a little boy my dream was to play for a very big club. Today, I am happy," said the youngster who scored twice at the World Cup for his country.

‘Chicharito' has already shown his class after scoring in United's 5-2 win over an American MLS All-Star selection in Houston on Wednesday.