Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has backed striker Federico Macheda despite the Italian's recent troubles.
The 20-year-old joined Queens Park Rangers on loan in January, but failed to establish himself at Loftus Road before returning to Old Trafford earlier this week with an ankle complaint.
"He is so unlucky. I have complete belief in the boy. He could be an outstanding player. But he needs football," Ferguson told MUTV.
"We put him on loan to Sampdoria last January. He was there for two weeks, they sacked the coach and he doesn't get a game. We put him on loan to QPR. Two weeks later they sack the coach and he doesn't get a game.
"That has been really unfortunate. He has been bothered with his ankle a little bit over the last few weeks, so we have done the right thing to get an operation and hopefully he will be ready for next season."
United face Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League on Monday.
