Source: SKY_Sports
Sbragia rues Macheda magic
Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia rued the impact of Manchester United's Federico Macheda following Saturday's 2-1 defeat to the Premier League leaders at the Stadium of Light.
The Italian youngster deflected a second-half winner for United just seconds after entering the fray from the substitutes' bench as the reigning champions returned to the top-flight's summit.
Paul Scholes had headed United in front before the interval, but Sunderland levelled 10 minutes after the break through a scrappy Kenwyne Jones goal.
Sunderland, though, were left to suffer as 17-year-old Italian Macheda, who completed a dramatic late comeback against Aston Villa last weekend, again wrapped up the points when fortunately ricocheting a Michael Carrick effort.
"He is there, whether he knows anything about it is another thing. He won't be bothered about that," said a downbeat Sbragia.
"Everything he touches turns to gold. Credit to him, he is a good player."
Sunderland are now fighting a desperate battle against relegation, but Sbragia had no complaints about the level of effort his players delivered.
The Black Cats host fellow strugglers Hull City in their next fixture and Sbragia does not expect standards to slip, despite defeat to United.
"I thought they were excellent," he said. "It is important that we work as a team.
"The players gave me everything I wanted. I thought they delivered what we asked. We have been excellent and we have got to carry it into the Hull game.
"We have set a big standard and we have got to stick to that."
Calum Davenport limped off in the second half, but Sbragia does not have major concerns over the defender.
"He has not played for a while. It is a bit of cramp," he concluded.
