MANCHESTER United wonderkid Federico Macheda has been robbed in his home by a masked gang.

Two men wearing balaclavas raided his Sale home in the early hours of Sunday morning.

They demanded cash and jewellery from the 17-year-old Italian striker, and hit his friend over the head with a bottle. He needed hospital treatment for minor cuts.
Macheda, nicknamed Kiko, was not injured in the brutal raid but it is thought the footballer, who scored vital goals to help United retain the Premiership last season, had a watch worth £20,000 and other personal items stolen.

Police say they are investigating whether the robbers were armed with knives. A police spokesman said: "Police were called to an address in Sale around 3.40am on Sunday following reports of a robbery.

"Two men stole cash and jewellery from the victims before running out of the house.

"One man suffered a minor cut to his head in the robbery. Inquiries are ongoing."

Reports suggest Macheda had been partying at the exclusive Circle Bar in Manchester city centre on Saturday night and had a heated row with a group of men.

Macheda and his pal took a taxi home but later the two masked men smashed their way into his home. His father, Pasquale, was later seen padlocking the gates of their house but did not want to comment on the robbery.

Earlier this year masked robbers held a knife to the throat of Manchester United star Darren Fletcher's fiancee, as the player flew to Italy for a Champions League match.

Three men kicked down the front door of the £1m house in Bowdon and subjected Hayley Grice to a terrifying and violent ordeal while two her children slept upstairs. They escaped with jewellery and other valuables.

A gang of robbers also targeted new Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz, who lives near Fletcher, in December.

Several Premiership footballers, particularly Liverpool players, have been robbed or burgled while playing abroad in recent years. Fletcher was the first United victim.

Macheda, who signed from Lazio, scored two super sub goals against Aston Villa and Sunderland last season. He turns 18 next month and is due to fly off to the Far East with the United team for pre-season friendlies.
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