Last week, 17 year old wonderkid Federico Macheda was beaten to the Footy Boots accolade by Stoke City striker James Beattie. But 7 days on, the Italian supersub has claimed the title with another match winning display from the bench.
For the second successive league game, Manchester United looked as if they may have to settle for a draw before the introduction of the inspirational Macheda who scored with his first touch of the ball.
In their Saturday afternoon match versus Sunderland, Paul Scholes has given United the lead in the first half before Kenwyne Jones bundled home from close in to equalise for the hosts.
But with 75 minutes gone, on came Macheda in his Total 90 Laser II football boots to steer home Michael Carrick’s wayward shot.
Federico Macheda wears the Total 90 Laser II in black, orange, blaze & silver
The win put United back on top of the Premier League, one point above nearest rivals Liverpool who had earlier thrashed Blackburn Rovers 4 – 0.
Having twice seen Macheda come off the bench to net a win, his performances drew this praise from manager Sir Alex Ferguson:
Macheda has got something special about him, the boy. He side-footed it as it came to him. It’s that quick-thinking that goalscorers have got.
He wasn’t fazed by anything. Right away, he got involved in the game and he had a good 20 minutes for us.
The important thing is we have seven games left now and at this point, it is about cutting each game off as they come along.
Today was an important away victory for us and we can be pleased with that.
Federico Macheda home page image from www.guardian.co.uk
Time will tell about this guy.
I don’t believe he knew nothing about the goal on saturday. Hit him rather than he hit it.
Macheda, hands down the luckiest b*****d in the world..
Two sub. Appearences and two goals. Game winners to that.. But I must give him credit. Hope the young striker the best. Still liverpool is taking it.. =D
Luck is a huge part of the goalscorers armoury and it looks as if Macheda has it in spades.
Certainly earning his Ă‚£400 per week wages!
the 1st goal he scored was pure magic. the 2nd he tried to get it towards goal if you watch in slow mo. he might not of meant to place it far corner but stiil he has the instic of a great striker. im sure if he keeps gooing like this united are going to have another great star.