Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he could start tonight's clash against Bayern Munich with Kiko Macheda.

The Italian lifted United when he came on in Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Chelsea.

"I thought that when Macheda came on we looked a lot better," said Ferguson. "He has a chance [of playing]. He is certainly in my thoughts. He is an exceptional talent."

Ferguson continued: "I don't think temperament is a problem for the boy," added the United boss. "He has shown that many times. He's only a kid and he could start games. He has started games in the past. But it's been a hard season for him, it's a long way back when you're out for so many months, particularly coming into the level of the game against Bayern. I don't think he'll start on Wednesday, but I think he can play a part.

"He's had a difficult season, he's not played at all really due to injuries. We've only had him back in training with the first team for a month. We debated giving him football in the Reserves, but we felt training with us was more important. He came on against Bolton, and of course against Chelsea. So he is on his way back, and the boy has got talent. He is a talented penalty-box player."