He made just 36 appearances in six seasons at Manchester United, scored only five goals, and was released on a free transfer after being deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. And yet, mention Federico Macheda, and you’ll raise a smile from even the most pessimistic club fans.
The Italian was just 17 when he was thrown on by Sir Alex Ferguson to replace Nani as United trailed 2-1 at home to Aston Villa. In the midst of an intense title battle with Liverpool, the teenager would produce a moment that would cement him in club folklore.
After Cristiano Ronaldo equalised, Macheda produced a stunning 93rd-minute effort that curled into the far corner and sent players and fans alike into raptures.
Another crucial goal followed in his second league game, scoring just 46 seconds after taking to the field against Sunderland. By the end of the season, Sir Alex wasn’t just celebrating another Premier League crown; he was also lauding the emergence of a new star.
But it would be a false dawn for the ex-Italy under-21 international. Injury and a string of failed loan moves would derail Macheda’s promise, and he eventually left for Cardiff City in 2014 before acquiring journeyman status as he ventured to Italy, Turkey, Cyprus and Greece.
The 33-year-old is still going and currently has five goals in 10 games for Greek Super League side Asteras Tripolis. He’s now opened up on his failure to make the grade in Manchester despite seemingly being paid the ultimate compliment by his iconic former manager.
“Sir Alex would tell everybody I was the best finisher in the club,” he told SunSport. “I was surprised. It was the best team in the history of Manchester United with the names and quality. He must have some special feeling for me and for sure hoped things would be different for me.”
Indeed, this was a squad that not only boasted Ronaldo but the likes of Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, and Dimitar Berbatov. Sure enough, Macheda soon realised that it would take more than an explosive entrance to become a first-team regular.
“My dream was to keep going like I started but I knew it was impossible,” he added. “I had not just one striker in front of me but four stars of crazy value, talent and history. I never reached my full potential. My United career should have been more.”
And yet, Macheda isn’t oblivious to his own failings. The opportunity to learn from a player now deemed one of the greatest of all time was there, but was wasted. “Cristiano was an idol. It was never enough for him,” he continued.
“Ronaldo was working next to me, swimming for one hour, but at 18 I didn’t understand this big mentality. I did what I was told but was not looking for extra steps. The biggest regret is I didn’t focus fully or work as hard as I should.”
Macheda admits he only understands this mentality now he has the benefit of hindsight. The mark he made at Manchester United will forever be remembered, but sadly for the man once labelled a precocious talent, his career since that surreal debut had proved eminently forgettable.
