Sir Alex Ferguson expects Federico Macheda to return from a long-standing calf problem in two weeks' time, to provide a timely boost to Manchester United's limited striking options.

GettyImagesFederico Macheda scored the winner on his Manchester United debut against Aston Villa last season

Macheda has been limited to just five appearances this season, the last of which came in the Carling Cup quarter-final triumph over Tottenham in December, with a calf strain sidelining the Italy Under-21 star since then.

Macheda has already been forced to abort one comeback bid but with Michael Owen out for the season and Danny Welbeck spending the remainder of the campaign on loan at Preston, the 18-year-old would offer Ferguson an alternative to his remaining three recognised strikers: Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and rookie Mame Biram Diouf.

Certainly, there will be no fears for Macheda's temperament, given his explosive introduction to English football last season when he scored a sensational injury-time winner against Aston Villa before netting the goal that secured a vital win at Sunderland.

And, if all goes to plan, Macheda could return within a fortnight to bolster Ferguson's attacking resources.

"Macheda started light training this week,'' Ferguson said. "He has had a long-term injury which has been disappointing for us because he is such a great talent. But he should be back in the football side within two weeks.''

Ferguson is hoping Macheda is following Owen Hargreaves on the comeback trail as, after nearly 18 months on the sidelines, the England midfielder is expected to make his long-awaited return from surgery on both knees in Thursday night's reserve team encounter with Manchester City at Altrincham.