Boy wonder! Italian kid Macheda turns up the title heat with late United winner

Published: 06 Apr 2009 - 12:14:24

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Boy wonder! Italian kid Macheda turns up the title heat with late United winner

Sir Alex Ferguson last night thanked 17-year-old rookie striker Federico Macheda for turning a thrilling Barclays Premier League title race back in Manchester United's favour after an incredible 3-2 victory at Old Trafford. United looked to be heading for a dispiriting 2-2 draw after struggling all afternoon against Aston Villa when Italian centre forward Macheda scored a sensational winning goal three minutes into added time on his debut for the first team. Villa killer: Federico Macheda shouts for joy after his stunning winner in added time. United manager Ferguson said: 'Through this result, the season could change for us. We are top of the league again and that's where we want to be. I think our blip is over now. 'It was a great goal and I have just said "well done" to him. It is important to keep his feet on the ground but there is no doubt at all about how important his goal was.' United were trailing 2-1 with 10 minutes to go and looked set to hand rivals Liverpool an unexpected boost after Rafael Benitez's team won at Fulham to go top on Saturday. VIDEO SPECIAL: See Federico Macheda in action - Manchester United's latest teen sensationWho is United hero Federico Macheda? A player with an eye for girls...as well as goalsBoy wonder! Italian kid Macheda turns up the title heat with late United winnerAs fantastic Federico makes a dream debut, Sportsmail looks at the youngsters coming through at United, Chelsea, Liverpool and ArsenalManchester United 3 Aston Villa 2: Federico who? Macheda fires United back to the top with injury time beautyManchester United 3 Aston Villa 2: All the action as it unfoldedMANCHESTER UNITED FC