Manchester United starlet Federico Macheda hopes to make the breakthrough this season after overcoming his injury problems.

GettyImagesFederico Macheda impressed in pre-season, scoring twice in a 5-2 win over MLS All Stars

Macheda, 18, made his debut against Aston Villa in April 2009 when his dramatic late winner helped put United on course for the league title, and he followed up with a goal against Sunderland in his second appearance. However, he scored just once last season as injuries restricted his involvement.

Having hit a brace in United's pre-season friendly against MLS All Stars this week, though, he received praise from Sir Alex Ferguson and he has now set his sights on a regular place in the team.

"This year could be the one for me," he said in the Daily Mail. "I'm ready to play and I hope the manager will pick me for many games.

"Last season I had many injuries and was out for almost five months so I couldn't really show my strengths, but this season I hope to have more chances to show what I can do."