Manchester United wonderkid Federico Macheda robbed at home in violent raid

Manchester United whizkid Federico Macheda was robbed in his home by masked raiders yesterday.

Two thugs wearing balaclavas smashed their way in and demanded cash and jewellery from the 17-year-old Italian and one of his friends.

It is thought Macheda, nicknamed Kiko, lost a watch worth £20,000 along with other items.

His mate was hit over the head with a bottle and needed hospital treatment for minor cuts.

Police believe the attack may be linked to an earlier incident after the ex-Lazio prodigy was involved in a bust-up outside a private members' nightclub. Striker Macheda, who turns 18 next month, had been partying at the exclusive Circle Bar in Manchester city centre.

Sources said that as he left he was involved in a heated exchange with several other men. He and his pal jumped in a cab back to his home in Sale, about six miles away.

A short time later two men turned up and launched their attack.

Police answered an emergency call at 3.40am but would not confirm reports that the intruders were brandishing knives.

A spokesman said: "Enquiries are continuing into the incident."

A United source said boss Sir Alex Ferguson would be livid with the young player if it was proved he had been out clubbing. Macheda became an instant hero at Old Trafford with a stunning injury-time winner on his debut against Aston Villa in April. But he raised eyebrows after posting photos of himself on Facebook surrounded by pretty young girls in another Manchester nightclub.

He was also photographed puffing on a cigarette last week as he relaxed on a beach in Tuscany with a bikini-clad companion. A club insider said: We have sky-high hopes for him and stories like this don't sound good.

"He needs to watch himself." Yesterday Kiko's dad Pasquale was seen padlocking the gates of the house but would not comment on the robbery.

His son is due to fly to the Far East with United team mates this week as part of the pre-season build-up.

Sweet 16

Macheda joined Manchester United just after his 16th birthday. Lazio were unable to keep him because Italian rules stop under 18s signing professional deals