Source: Telegraph
Manchester United's Federico Macheda could miss out on Premier League winners medal
The seventeen-year-old Italian has delivered match-winning goals as a substitute to decide both last Sunday's Old Trafford clash with Aston Villa and Saturday's 2-1 success at Sunderland. [LNB]With the youngster's goals transforming two draws into victories, the four-points earned as a result could ultimately prove key to propelling United to their 18th league championship. [LNB] Related ArticlesFerguson: Macheda specialSunderland 1 Man Utd 2Premier League actionCristiano Ronaldo dismisses Real Madrid link ahead of Porto clashManchester United return to top with Federico Macheda injury-time winner against VillaManchester Uniteds schedule could lead to weaker side to face Aston VillaBut with Premier League regulations stipulating that players must appear in at least 10 league games - either as a substitute or starter - to qualify for a winners medal, Macheda will fall short if Ferguson's team win the title - even if he comes off the bench in each of United's remaining seven games. [LNB]United have successfully received special dispensation from the Premier League in the past, however, to secure a medal for former midfielder Alan Smith. [LNB]Smith, now with Newcastle United, made nine league appearances in the final weeks of the 2006-07 campaign after overcoming a long-term broken leg and dislocated ankle injury. [LNB]United have also been granted permission for medals to be struck for a number of back-up goalkeepers who had largely spent the season warming the substitutes' bench during title-winning campaigns. [LNB]Few players have made such a dramatic impact as Macheda, however, and it is understood that United will make representations for the player to be awarded if a medal if he continues to play a role in helping the club to the title. [LNB]
