9) Federico Macheda
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Poached from Lazio’s academy at 16 by Alex Ferguson, Federico Macheda’s talent was spotted very young.
By 17, he’d signed for Manchester United professionally and was making regular appearances in the youth team and reserves. As the 2008/2009 season came to it’s “squeaky-bum time”, Macheda began to pick up form and scored 8 goals in 8 games for the reserves.
That prompted Sir Alex to give him a shot with the first team, and in fantastic style he responded with a brilliant curler to snatch a crucial three points from Aston Villa, in the 3rd minute of extra-time. Ronaldo had just scored a brilliant equaliser, and the comeback was complete! Macheda slotted in very neatly, and it was clear he’d do big things in future fixtures.
In 36 games for the Red Devils, he would score only five goals, including a late handball consolation at Old Trafford as Chelsea stomped their way to the 2009/2010 title.
In the six years since he has played for six more clubs; of which his only noteworthy spell was at Birmingham where he actually did very well, ending the season as their top-scorer with 10 goals from 10 starts and 8 subs. He was loaned to five teams by United before transferring permanently to Cardiff City.
He’s now on loan at Nottingham Forest.
