Updated

Manchester United announced Thursday that it has loaned striker Federico Macheda to Bundesliga side Stuttgart for the remainder of the season.

Macheda has found appearances hard to come by in a United shirt as he sits behind Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck in the pecking order. The 21-year-old previously enjoyed loan stints at Sampdoria and QPR.

"I have followed the Bundesliga and naturally know about Stuttgart," said Macheda. "I am glad that I can now play for the club.

"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."