When you need a goal, call on Federico Macheda. It was true in 2009 and it’s true in 2026 too.
Federico Macheda’s goal for Manchester United against Aston Villa in the 2008/09 title race sealed one of the club’s most memorable comebacks.
Macheda’s career at United did not work out long-term, but he is still playing top flight football 17 years on. And he intends to keep it that way.
Now 34, Macheda is a key player for Greek side Asteras Tripolis after joining them in summer 2024. It is his second spell in Greece, earlier playing for Panathinaikos.
He is currently involved in a dramatic late season battle to try and help his side stave off relegation.
United now plan for the new stadium to be ready for 2035 – What do you think about this?
Federico Macheda’s red hot form
Asteras Tripolis finished in 14th place after 26 games, bottom of the league. But their season was not over.
Similar to the Scottish Premiership, the Greek Super League splits into different groups for the final games of the season, with teams facing off against their rivals for the remaining fixtures.
Asteras Tripolis are in the ‘relegation group’ of the bottom six teams, aiming to avoid finishing in the bottom two.
After seven playoff games, with three remaining, Asteras are now fourth in the relegation group, on course for survival.
Federico Macheda has played an absolutely crucial role in the turnaround, saving his goal spree for the most critical part of the season.
Macheda scored only three goals in 22 games for Asteras in the opening part of the season.
In the seven relegation round matches, Macheda has netted four goals.
Three of those goals have come in the last four matches.
The most recent strike secured a vital point in a 1-1 draw vs Larissa at the weekend, ensuring Asteras remained a point clear of the relegation zone.
Macheda is demonstrating his evergreen ability to score important goals at important times, that still sees his very name bring a smile to Manchester United fans.
Who is the most underrated Manchester United player ever?
Federico Macheda’s career numbers
Federico Macheda has now scored 99 career goals at first team level.
Five of these came for Manchester United’s first team during his time playing under Sir Alex Ferguson.
He has 13 in total for Asteras Tripolis, with his most prolific career spell coming for Panathinaikos, where he netted 40.
Macheda also counts goals for Novara, Ankaragucu, Cardiff City, Birmingham City, APOEL Nicosia, Sampdoria and Doncaster Rovers.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
