Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes the young Italian contingent at his club has a very bright future.

Already, Federico Macheda has imposed himself at Old Trafford and Ferguson believes the others will also impress.

"Our young Italians? We have two and a half," he told Corriere Dello Sport.

"Macheda and Petrucci plus the naturalised Brazilian [Rodrigo] Possebon.

"The three are all talented and I can assure you that these kids have a bright future ahead of them.

"Macheda is a great striker and we are all getting to know his skills. He came together with Petrucci and neither of them spoke English but they went to school, studied and learned quickly.

"Petrucci is another very strong Roman boy. He is now struggling with an injury that has ruled him out until the end of the season but he has great potential and will do well."