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Former Manchester United Youngster Federico Macheda Signs For Panathinaikos

Former Manchester United Youngster Federico Macheda Signs For Panathinaikos

His goal against Aston Villa on debut is a thing of Premier League legend after helping Manchester United to win the Premier League.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Federico Macheda was once the name on everyone's lips now he's the forgotten man of football. The Italian has yet another chance to reboot his career after signing with Greek side Panathinaikos.

The 5th April 2009 is a day that is forever etched in Premier League history. Manchester United were top of the table but had lost back-to-back games against Liverpool and Fulham, with the loss against rivals Liverpool being a 4-1 loss at home.

United faced Aston Villa but, having led 1-0 through Cristiano Ronaldo, found themselves 2-1 down with time running out. Sir Alex Ferguson turned to teenager Federico Macheda for his debut from the bench.

Macheda scores against Villa before being mobbed by his teammates. Images: PA Images
Macheda scores against Villa before being mobbed by his teammates. Images: PA Images

The Italian famously scored the winner in that game and a week later against Sunderland as the Red Devils went on to win yet another title and Macheda was the next big thing.

Things haven't gone according to plan since then for Macheda as he's had spells at eight different clubs in the intervening years. His most recent spell was two seasons with Serie B side Novara, scoring 11 goals.

His contract expired at the end of last season and after a summer with no new club he has now signed for Greek side Panathinaikos:

The Superleague Greece side started the season in the Europa League but were knocked out of the qualifiers by Athletic Bilbao, losing 4-2 on aggregate to the Spanish side.

Macheda has signed a three year deal with the club and it's the fourth country he's played in following stints in England, Germany and Italy previously.

Macheda has never been a prolific scorer with this two best seasons coming in the Championship, scored 10 on loan at Birmingham and six on loan at Cardiff City.

Can he live up to his potential in Greece?

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Greece, Manchester United, Premier League, England