Manchester United: Sir Alex Back To Italy For Another Youthful Star

Sir Alex Ferguson is back to his old tricks as he raids yet another mid-level Italian club of their best prospect right before the Italian outfit can sign said prospect (see Federico Macheda and Giuseppe Rossi). Sir Alex attracts and signs the players at age 16 just before the players can sign professional contracts with their Italian clubs.

Granted this is how the game's best remain at the top of the footballing pantheon, by finding every loophole imaginable. It is within the rules and while not the most ethical thing to do -- stealing an outfit's best young talent after the club has sunk money and training hours into his development -- it is still legal and I salute Sir Alex for utilizing this maneuver to his advantage.

So who is this next starlet taken from the land of Roma and Juventus?

It is Empoli full-back Alberto Massacci. The 16-year-old recently noted to Gazzetta dello Sport that he is on his way to Manchester United after speaking with Sir Alex Ferguson.