Source: Telegraph
Federico Macheda is Manchester United's latest bright teenager at Old Trafford
The 17-year-old striker, who joined United's youth academy from Lazio in 2007, was bought on to replace Nani on the hour mark and made his debut senior performance count after scoring a last-gasp winner to put United back on top of the Premier League.
Aged just 16 when United plucked him from Italy, "Kiko" as he is known by his teammates, has grown into a habit of impressing in his debuts.
Scoring in his first match for the United reserve side 18 months ago, he has rapidly come up through the ranks since the days of being a regular in Paul McGuinness' U18s.
Impressed by the development he has made with the U18s and Ole Gunner Solskjaer's reserve side, Ferguson decided the crucial clash at Old Trafford would mark his first appearance on the senior circuit.
"The boy Macheda is developing at a great rate of speed now," he said.
"His performances for the reserves have been very good.
"He's a natural finisher and he'll definitely be on the bench at least with Welbeck.
"He's only 17 years old but if you're good enough at this club, you'll play."
Macheda had been on his way back to Italy for a different match but was called back by Ferguson.
Not expecting the call up to come so soon, Macheda said: "I was very surprised to get a chance but now I just want to keep going.
"I have dreamt of a day like this - I just turned, shot and ran to my family. They are very proud of me.
"No one had heard of me before this, but that will have changed now. My life has changed.'
FIVE OTHER UNITED YOUNGSTERS TO WATCH:
Danny Welbeck – Arguably the brightest prospect Manchester United have produced since the Beckham generation. Fast-tracked from the under-18s to the first team squad in less than a year, the 19-year-old striker scored on his league debut with a 20-yard strike against Stoke. Occasionally deployed out wide, the Manchester-born striker's future lies in a more central role.
Fabio – Injury prevented the younger of the da Silva twins from making the same sort of impact Rafael did, but has already shown glimpses that he may even be the better of the two. Lightning quick, skilful and surprisingly tough. Fabio, on the left, and Rafael, on the right, have been called Brazil's answer to the Nevilles. With all due respect to Gary and Phil, they could be a lot better than that.
Davide Petrucci – Another Italian, this time an all-action midfielder brought to the club last summer from Roma after a bitter wrangle with the Serie A side. Caught the eye scoring 14 goals in 19 matches in youth football and a star for the Italian under-17 team, Petrucci is close friends with Macheda and Ferguson believes that will help the pair form a promising partnership on the field.
Richard Eckersley – 19-year-old right back drafted into the senior set-up after injuries to Rafael da Silva, Wes Brown and Gary Neville. Made his debut in the FA Cup against Spurs and featured again in the 5-0 mauling of West Bromwich. A similar type of player to Neville, strong in the tackle and willing to attack, he may find further opportunities scarce as the season reaches its climax.
Darron Gibson - the 21-year-old took his time to come up through the ranks with Manchester United but was publicly rewarded for his efforts with the reserves earlier this season when Ferguson announced he would start in the Carling Cup final against Tottenham. Having played every round of the tournament the midfielder also proved himself an established senior player after scoring goals against Southampton and Derby in the FA Cup.
