Sir Alex Ferguson is debating whether to hand Federico Macheda his first Premier League start at Middlesbrough tomorrow. While juggling his Manchester United squad to keep players fresh for the Champions League meeting with Arsenal next week, he must also ensure Liverpool do not steal a march on the club's title hopes.
The Italian teenager has enjoyed a promising start to his United career, scoring winning goals against Aston Villa and Sunderland on his first two substitute appearances. Although the 17-year-old was not as impressive when handed his first senior start in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Everton earlier this month, Ferguson has highlighted his qualities.
"I was delighted with Macheda's performance at Wembley," Ferguson said. "Playing your first full game somewhere like that is very difficult but he has done fantastically well.
"I am trying to ensure both Federico and Danny Welbeck feel wanted because they both have the physical strength to cope and they will be involved tomorrow.".
Ferguson compared Macheda's last-gasp strike to overcome Villa with Wayne Rooney's Champions League hat-trick against Fenerbahce in 2004 as one of the best debut performances Ferguson has ever seen.
"I don't think I have ever seen a better debut goal than that," said Ferguson. "For a young lad of 17 to come on and score a great goal like that was incredible.
"I don't think you can match scoring a hat-trick as Wayne did. But the difference was he had a bit of experience with Everton and England prior to that. Macheda had none.
"He has the instinct of knowing what to do and when to do it. Against Villa he did not just score, he made an impact on the game with his general play. He has certainly proved he is ready."
Paul Scholes, Park Ji-Sung and Ben Foster, all unused substitutes in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first-leg win over Arsenal, are set to be included in the squad to face Middlesbrough, along with Nani, who did not make the bench. Wes Brown will also be drafted into the squad as he returns from injury.
