German stint for Macheda

Berlin - Manchester United have loaned Italian striker Federico Macheda to VfB Stuttgart until the end of the season, the Bundesliga club announced on Thursday.

Stuttgart coach Bruno Labbadia had wanted to add a striker to his squad this month, and Macheda arrives three days before his team entertain bitter rivals, and Bundesliga leaders, Bayern Munich.

Macheda, 21, has made just 22 English Premier League appearances for United, scoring four goals, as well as four appearances in the Champions League.

His existing contract with United runs until 2014, but the Rome-born player has already had loan spells with Sampdoria and Queens Park Rangers in the recent past.

"I have followed the Bundesliga and naturally know about Stuttgart. I am glad that I can now play for the club," Macheda told United's website.

"For me, it is about getting to know the team and what I can bring because we have a lot of interesting games in three different competitions in front of us."