Former Manchester United youngster Federico Macheda ended up making 36 appearances in total for the Red Devils.
None of them were quite as consequential as his 2009 debut, still fondly remembered as one of the all-time great Old Trafford moments of the 2000s.
While Federico Macheda scored another important goal away against Sunderland that season, it was his winner against Aston Villa which is forever etched into Manchester United folklore.
With Villa threatening to spoilt United’s title challenge and take crucial points away, the 17-year-old Italian was sent on for his debut.
Macheda stunned everybody with a turn and shot to curl the ball into the far corner to give Manchester United a 3-2 win, even upstaging reigning Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
The goal sparked wild celebrations on and off the pitch, with current United player Jonny Evans front and centre. Macheda’s goal was up there with the very best United debuts of the past 20 years.
Federico Macheda glad he joined United
Federico Macheda will go down as one of the Manchester United wonderkids who did not quite make it.
He did get opportunities beyond his debut, but he scored just a further five goals in the subsequent 35 games.
Macheda has been reflecting on his time at United, and insists he was brave to take the move. He is glad he did, even though it meant leaving boyhood side Lazio.
He told lalaziosiamonoi: “I went to Manchester without an agent, I went with a scout.
“It was unthinkable to leave home so soon but it’s a choice I would make a thousand times over.”
Macheda’s impact was incredible, and while playing alongside many Manchester United legends was a huge opportunity for him, he also hinted it came with difficulty, as it made it tough to hold down a regular spot.
He added: “When you throw yourself into a team like that so young with so many champions around you, it’s not easy.
“When I was young I did something that few do, it’s one thing to play every week and another to play once a month. I would have liked to play more consistently.”
Federico Macheda’s current status
Macheda was asked in the interview whether he would want to return to Lazio in the future. He responded: “I’m a Lazio fan and I would gladly return.”
Macheda signed permanently with Cardiff City in 2014, before a spell with Italian side Novara.
It was only in Greece where he began to settle, going on to make more than 100 appearances for Panathinaikos, and scoring 40 goals.
Macheda is now a free agent again after leaving Turkish side Ankaragucu after one season, where he struck six goals.
Now 32, Macheda is well aware he won’t ever hit the peak of his big Manchester United moment in 2009, but he may still have a few more seasons left in him.
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