Federico Macheda has suffered an unhappy confirmation that he has made the grade as a top-class footballer — he has been targeted by thieves in his own home.

The 17-year-old Manchester United forward came to spectacular prominence when he came on as a substitute last season as a virtual unknown and scored an important Premier League goal.

The Italian, who was signed as a junior from Lazio, was at home in Sale, Greater Manchester, at 3.40am on Sunday when two men wearing balaclavas broke in.

They woke up the striker and demanded cash and jewellery. It is thought that the raiders stole a watch worth £20,000 and a number of other personal items.

A friend who was staying at the house was hit over the head with a bottle during the raid and later required hospital treatment. Macheda, nicknamed Kiko, was uninjured.

Greater Manchester Police said that they are investigating whether the robbers were armed with knives.

A police spokesman said: “Two men stole cash and jewellery from the victims before running out of the house. One man suffered a minor cut to his head in the robbery. Inquiries are ongoing.” Officers were unable to say whether the raid was linked to events earlier in the evening. Macheda had been enjoying a night out at the Circle Bar, a private club, bar and restaurant in Manchester city centre, popular with the celebrities and media.

Witnesses suggested that, at some point, there had been a heated exchange between the player and a group of men.

Subsequently Macheda and his friend left the basement club by taxi. It was shortly after they arrived home that they were woken up by the masked raiders.

Macheda was left to rue the unfortunate side of football stardom as he prepared to fly off to join team mates on a tour of the Far East.

Meanwhile, his family is increasing security at the property in Washway Road. His father, Pasquale, was spotted attaching a new padlock on the gates. He did not want to comment on the robbery.

Earlier this year masked robbers held a knife to the throat of the fiancée of the Manchester United star Darren Fletcher. The player was in Italy for a Champions League match.

Three men kicked down the front door of the £1 million house in Bowdon and subjected Hayley Grice to a terrifying and violent ordeal while her two children slept upstairs. They escaped with jewellery and other valuables.

A gang of robbers also targeted Roque Santa Cruz, the Manchester City striker, who lives near Fletcher, in December.

Several Premiership footballers, particularly Liverpool players, have been robbed or burgled while playing abroad in recent years. Fletcher was the first United victim.

Macheda, who joined United in September 2007, became an instant hero of the Old Trafford crowd when he scored a stunning injury time goal against Aston Villa in April. He said later that it was the best day of his life.

He has since made five appearances for United, scoring two goals. He is expected to play a much greater role in United’s drive for honours this season.

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