Premier League

SIR ALEX FERGUSON boasted a stacked attack of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez when Manchester United won the Premier League in 2009.But the legendary Scot insisted Federico Macheda was his best finisher at the club – and the Italian striker believes he could still get into the current Red Devils team.Federico Macheda made his name with his dramatic winner against Aston Villa in 2009Credit: Getty – ContributorHis crucial goals helped Manchester United win the Premier LeagueCredit: GettySir Alex Ferguson insisted Macheda was the best finisher at the clubThe Italian striker is now playing for Asteras Tripolis in GreeceCredit: Asteras TripolisMacheda, 33, wrote his name into Old Trafford folklore with his dramatic 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa on his debut aged 17 in April 2009.He repeated the trick a week later at Sunderland as United won the Premier League by four crucial points from Liverpool.Macheda was the unlikely hero despite sharing a dressing room with legendary forwards Ronaldo, Rooney, Berbatov and Tevez – as well as a teenage Danny Welbeck.His natural instincts in front of goal, demonstrated by his iconic turn and curl beyond Brad Friedel, earned a prestigious title from Fergie.Macheda, who received an unexpected catch-up phone call from Ferguson this month after seven years without contact, told SunSport: “Sir Alex would tell everybody I was the best finisher in the club.“I was surprised. It was the best team in the history of Manchester United with the names and quality.“He must have some special feeling for me and for sure hoped things would be different for me.”The Villa goal made Macheda a household name overnight and he acknowledges that magic moment will always be “part of me”.But he failed to kick on from his “perfect” start, totalling five goals in 36 appearances, intertwined with loans to Sampdoria, QPR, Stuttgart, Doncaster and Birmingham.Macheda admits it was his loans and lack of effort that meant he remained a cult hero rather than a club legend in Manchester, despite having the example of Ronaldo, the epitome of dedication, to learn from.How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’ He said: “My dream was to keep going like I started but I knew it was impossible. I had not just one striker in front of me but four stars of crazy value, talent and history.“Cristiano was an idol. It was never enough for him.“Ronaldo was working next to me, swimming for one hour, but at 18 I didn’t understand this big mentality. I did what I was told but was not looking for extra steps.“I never reached my full potential. Never.“My United career should have been more. You get chances but I didn’t take some.“The biggest regret is I didn’t focus fully or work as hard as I should.“Football came naturally. It wasn’t arrogance, I just didn’t know.“Sir Alex liked me lots as a player but I didn’t give him extra reasons to keep going with me.“You must work 200 per cent every day to stay at United because they can have any player they want. I had the ability but you must give more than everything to stay.“I understand this now I’m older.”Federico Macheda’s career in numbersCLUB (ALL COMPS)2008–2014 – Manchester United: 36 appearances (5 goals)2011 – Sampdoria (loan): 16 (1)2012 – Queens Park Rangers (loan): 6 (0)2013 – VfB Stuttgart (loan): 18 (0)2013–2014 – Doncaster Rovers (loan): 15 (3)2014 – Birmingham City (loan): 18 (10)2014–2016 – Cardiff City: 33 (8)2016 – Nottingham Forest (loan): 3 (0) 2016–2018 – Novara: 52 (11)2018–2022 – Panathinaikos: 116 (40)2022–2024 – Ankaragucu: 41 (6)2023 – APOEL (loan): 17 (2)2024– – Asteras Tripolis: 21 (6)INTERNATIONAL2006–2007 – Italy U16: 10 (2)2007–2008 – Italy U17: 3 (0)2009 – Italy U19: 1 (0)2009–2012 – Italy U21: 10 (4)HONOURSManchester UnitedPremier League: 2008-09, 2010-11League Cup: 2009–10Jimmy Murphy Academy Player of the Year: 2008–09PanathinaikosGreek Cup: 2021–22Macheda left United in 2014, joining his ex-academy coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Cardiff.The “highlight” of his “rollercoaster” career was, interestingly, a four-month unemployed stint in 2016 when the then-25-year-old couldn’t find a club and “changed everything about myself” including hiring a mental coach.FROM GOAT TO GOATSHe has since had stints in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus before returning to Greece in September.Macheda signed for Asteras Tripolis during Claude Makelele’s 25-day managerial reign and fittingly took the vacant No41 jersey, the same number he wore for his famous breakthrough.It is a far cry from the grandeur of Manchester United: the man who once played with a GOAT now trains next to a field of sheep and goats.Just like 16 years ago, though, Macheda wants to fire his team to glory, either in the Greek Cup or a strong league finish, to take Asteras back into Europe.Asteras, against whom Harry Kane went in goal and Erik Lamela scored that rabona in 2014, face Crete’s OFI on Wednesday in the cup semi-final first leg.Star-man Macheda loves Greece and, fit and healthy, thinks he could play for another decade.And with his six goals in 18 league games this term, he is matching United’s top scorers Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo in the Premier League and outperforming both Joshua Zirkzee (three) and Rasmus Hojlund (two).Macheda received a phone call out of the blue from Ferguson this monthCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe striker managed five goals in 36 appearances for UnitedCredit: Action Images – ReutersHe was just 17 when he had his magic moment against Villa at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Press AssociationMacheda revealed he did not realise the sheer hard work required to succeed at UnitedCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesThe striker left in 2014 and reunited with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at CardiffCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe backed up his Villa winner with another crucial goal at SunderlandCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMacheda reckons he was too young to appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo’s hard workCredit: Action ImagesThe United team of that era boasted outrageous talentCredit: GettyAsked if he could do a better job in the current Red Devils starting XI, Macheda was candidly confident but admitted even Robert Lewandowski would struggle.He replied: “Now? At 33? I think I could play there. Yes. Do better? I don’t know.“I must say it’s not easy to play for Manchester United now but I think I could still play there.“Personally, I like Zirkzee and Hojlund. The club is under pressure. The situation is not easy for any striker, even if you put Lewandowski in the team.“But as a player, I can see myself playing there at the moment. A couple of games if Ruben Amorim needs me!“I know the Premier League level. It’s very difficult but I could play there. Why not?”Keeping tabs on his old employers has been more painful viewing this season with the fallen giants languishing 15th in the table despite Amorim replacing Erik ten Hag.Federico Macheda’s goal vs Aston VillaFEDERICO MACHEDA’S life changed forever when he scored a 93rd-minute winner to secure a crucial 3-2 win over Aston Villa on April 5, 2009.Sent on for Nani at 2-1 down, Macheda came up trumps with his epic turn and finish into the corner – a goal that lives long in the memory for all United fans. Here’s what Macheda remembers of that special day…On finding out he would play“We were short of strikers because Rooney, Tevez and Berbatov were unavailable. We had a reserve game at Newcastle on the Wednesday. Sir Alex said if I did well I might be in the first team on Sunday. I scored a hat-trick. Against Villa we were 2-1 down and on 60 minutes he called to me. I thought he was calling Danny Welbeck but he shouted again. It was my time. I went on and I was so sure of myself. I told all my friends that if I played, I would score.”On the finish“It just came in a moment. My technical abilities were pretty good. At this moment I wasn’t thinking about too much when I had the ball. It just came and I knew I had the chance to try and do something good. My instinct told me to do this. It was perfect.”On Martin Tyler’s commentary“The goal and the commentary are iconic. It’s the moment and the celebration from the fans. It’s something that remains. It’s not easy to have those kinds of moments in football.”On the dressing room“The dressing room was electrifying. When you win a game, it should be like this. But it was more than this. I was all over the place. I don’t know if I’ve seen this atmosphere again. Everybody was coming around me, kissing me, hugging me. Big players came to me to celebrate me. Sir Alex hugged me.”On the man-of-the-match champagne and celebrations“I didn’t drink it, I still haven’t. Gary Neville gave it to me afterwards. But I never drank it. Now it’s in my family’s house. My mother and father still love it. We went to a restaurant with my family. My goal was showing everywhere. I felt shy to see myself on TV. Everybody was talking about the goal.”On the goal’s legacy “It’s part of me of course. It was probably the most famous goal I scored. For sure it changed my life. My target when I went to Manchester was to play only one time for this club in this stadium. I was dreaming about a moment like this. Maybe that moment was even better than my dreams. Because everything was perfect.”Macheda thinks no manager, not even Ferguson, could get a title-winning tune out of the current squad which features just three leaders.But speaking at Asteras’ 6,500-seater stadium, he is adamant Amorim can deliver a Premier League within “two to three years” on three conditions.Macheda added: “I believe yes he can. Amorim has a special connection. He’s one coach that can get Manchester United to fight for everything.“I like Amorim even if you don’t see the results, maybe sometimes they play bad football.“It’s difficult because for a club to be successful, you need great players.“United doesn’t have the team at the moment to win the Premier League. They have good players but if you put any coach in, it wouldn’t change a lot.“There are only a few leaders: Bruno, Maguire, Lisandro. But it’s not enough. Maybe the others are not ready to play for this club.“Amorim should keep the legacy and history at Manchester United going by rebuilding like they used to with young players. Then I believe the wind will change.“If they trust Amorim and give him time, bring in the right players and change some things in the club like the bad mentality, I believe Manchester United will be back in two to three years.”Macheda returned to Greece with Asteras Tripolis in SeptemberCredit: Asteras TripolisHe has scored six goals in 18 league gamesCredit: Asteras TripolisJoshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund are struggling under the pressureCredit: GettyMacheda reckons he could get into the current Red Devils teamCredit: Asteras TripolisMacheda sat down with SunSport at the 6,500-seater Theodoros Kolokotronis StadiumCredit: Asteras TripolisSunSport visited Macheda in the build-up to their Greek Cup semi-finalCredit: Asteras TripolisThe first-team training pitch is next to a field with sheep and goatsCredit: SunSportAsteras are desperate to get back into Europe once againCredit: SunSportThe set-up at Asteras is a far cry from Old Trafford and CarringtonCredit: SunSportThe club have a loyal fanbase in the city in the middle of the Peloponnese region of GreeceCredit: SunSport More

MANCHESTER UNITED have made former Chelsea chief Christopher Vivell their permanent director of recruitment on a REDUCED salary.The 38-year-old German initially joined on a short-term contract last summer.Christopher Vivell has been made Man Utd’s director of recruitment on a permanent basisCredit: PAAnd he played a big role in helping United land several promising youngsters including Sekou Kone.Vivell’s old deal was set to expire at the end of the season.But after United sacked sporting director Dan Ashworth in November, Vivell’s role as director of recruitment has been made permanent.The ex-RB Leipzig man has penned a long-term deal and will report directly to technical director Jason Wilcox, claims The Athletic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Vivell’s new agreement has seen him take a pay cut a day after United announced they are set to make a further 200 redundancies.Vivell will oversee club recruitment around the world, while also taking charge of United’s scouting system and young talent operation.He will be hoping to last longer in the role than his previous job at Chelsea.Vivell was appointed technical director in December 2022 as a replacement for Marina Granovskaia.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut he lasted just seven months after Todd Boehly decided to hand all power to co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.Vivell’s sole transfer window at Chelsea came in January 2023 and saw plenty of activity.Andy Goldstein insists Sir Jim Ratcliffe has got everything wrong at Man Utd after drastic cuts He helped Chelsea sign players like Benoit Badiashile in January 2023Credit: GettyVivell lasted just seven months before being axed by the BluesCredit: GettyA then-record fee of £105million was spent on Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, who had just won the World Cup with Argentina.Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana were also signed permanently, while Joao Felix arrived on loan.There were few exits though, with Jorginho the only senior star to depart.It left then-Chelsea boss Graham Potter with a hugely-bloated squad featuring unwanted misfits including Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic.The Blues finished the season with Frank Lampard in charge as interim boss.And Vivell paid the price when Mauricio Pochettino arrived in West London. More

SEVERAL CLUBS are reportedly looking to buy Manchester United’s sell-on clauses for players that have already left Old Trafford.The Red Devils have endured a miserable campaign so far and currently sit 15th in the Premier League table.Jim Ratcliffe could decide to make some instant cash by selling the sell-on clauses of some playersCredit: PAHannibal Mejbri has a 50 per cent sell-on clause in his dealCredit: RexScott McTominay has been thriving at NapoliCredit: GettyAmid the club’s disappointing form on the pitch, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been desperately trying to save money behind the scenes.The billionaire has already made 250 employees redundant, with up to 200 more to follow in the coming weeks.He is also set to scrap free lunches for staff members at Old Trafford and reduce food options for those at Carrington to just soup and sandwiches.Ratcliffe could now be handed another way of generating some cash involving players who are no longer at United.Read More in FootballThe Telegraph has claimed that multiple clubs are now considering the possibility of buying sell-on clauses.Man Utd have put sell-on clauses into several transfers over the last few years.Facundo Pellistri was sold to Panathinaikos for around £6.8million last summer with a 45 per cent sell-on clause, meaning the Red Devils will receive almost half of the fee he is next sold for.Similarly, they negotiated a 50 per cent sell-on clause when finalising Hannibal Mejbri’s move to Burnley, although that will reduce over time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMason Greenwood has a 50 per cent sell-on clauseCredit: AFPScott McTominay was let go for £25m plus a 10 per cent sell-on clause.And striker Mason Greenwood has a reported 50 per cent sell-on clause in his Marseille contract.Ruben Amorim blames results on the pitch for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Man Utd cuts Should Man Utd decide to cash-in on the clauses now, it would see them profit instantly.It could be a huge positive for Ratcliffe and Co given the club’s poor financial situation.Several players have enjoyed a resurgence in form after leaving Man Utd.Aaron Wan-Bissaka has impressed since joining West Ham, while McTominay has become a fan-favourite at Napoli.Furthermore, Greenwood has recorded 19 goal contributions in 25 appearances for Marseille.As a result, the striker has attracted some interest from the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in recent months. More

WESLEY FOFANA is expected to make his return to the Chelsea squad tonight – despite initially being ruled out for the season.The 24-year-old has been absent since picking up a hamstring injury against Aston Villa at the start of December.Wesley Fofana is set to return for Chelsea tonight against SouthamptonCredit: AFPThe defender has been unavailable since December 1 with a hamstring injuryCredit: PAIt was first reported that he would remain out of action for around five weeks.However, head coach Enzo Maresca then admitted that he could miss the rest of the season.Despite the initial concern, Fofana did not require surgery on the hamstring issue.And he is now set to make his return to the pitch – months earlier than expected.Read More in FootballAccording to French outlet RMC Sport, the defender is expected to be named in the Chelsea squad for tonight’s match against Southampton at Stamford Bridge.Fofana has been limited to just 12 appearances for Chelsea this season due to injury.Tonight’s meeting between Chelsea and Southampton is crucial for Maresca, with the Blues competing for Champions League football.If they drop points in their next two Premier League games – the second being against Leicester City – ex-Arsenal star and pundit Paul Merson is convinced that the head coach’s job will be at risk.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “If they don’t win their next two games, the manager won’t be there.”They’re playing against two of the worst teams to play in the Premier League for I don’t know how long in Southampton and Leicester.Chelsea ratings vs Aston Villa: Jorgensen howler, Rashford super-sub”So, if they don’t win those two games, he will do well to keep his job.”Chelsea have got to get in the Champions League. They need the Champions League to keep players like Cole Palmer as he will want to play in that competition.”They will have to finish in the top five, otherwise I dread to think what’s going to happen. I just don’t see what the plan is.”All the seven-year contracts and these players are not getting any better. How many of them have been a major success?” More

CHELSEA head coach Enzo Maresca has two games to save his job, according to Paul Merson.The Blues have endured a mixed season under their new boss.Enzo Maresca is at risk of being sacked, Paul Merson has claimedCredit: GettyMerson insists Chelsea need to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: Sky SportsHaving been widely considered title contenders before Christmas, Maresca and Co began dropping down the Premier League table at the turn of the year.They now sit down in seventh and face competition from Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Manchester City for a Champions League spot.With the top-four competition so tight, Merson believes Chelsea cannot afford to drop any more points in the coming weeks.The ex-Arsenal man has even suggested that Maresca could find himself out of the job if they don’t win the next two games.Read More in FootballOn Monday, Merson said: “If they don’t win their next two games, the manager won’t be there.”They’re playing against two of the worst teams to play in the Premier League for I don’t know how long in Southampton and Leicester.”So, if they don’t win those two games, he will do well to keep his job.”Chelsea have got to get in the Champions League. They need the Champions League to keep players like Cole Palmer as he will want to play in that competition.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”They will have to finish in the top five, otherwise I dread to think what’s going to happen. I just don’t see what the plan is.”All the seven-year contracts and these players are not getting any better. How many of them have been a major success?”Enzo Maresca criticises Chelsea after 3-0 defeat by Brighton Merson also put forward a theory to explain why Cole Palmer has experienced a drop-off in form.He continued: “Even Palmer has struggled now, Palmer needs Nicolas Jackson, and Jackson needs Palmer.”Without Jackson’s movement, Palmer gets suffocated out of the game. He hasn’t got any movement in front of him.”People give Jackson stick, but you can see how good he is now he’s not in the team.”Now, all of a sudden, they’ve got nothing up front, so no one’s making the runs and Palmer’s got no space. So he’s getting deeper and deeper. Jackson’s a massive miss.”Chelsea next host Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening before travelling to Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League next Thursday.They then return to Premier League action to face Leicester City.Chelsea player ratings vs Aston VillaBy Graham HillBLUES keeper Filip Jorgensen’s awful underarm howler saw Aston Villa come from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 in the Prem.Enzo Fernandez’s rapid opener inside nine minutes came from Pedro Neto’s stunning breeze past Ian Maatsen.But the Blues soon fell apart after Man Utd loanee Marcus Rashford’s blistering introduction at half-time.Rashford provided two assists for fellow January signing Marco Asensio to leave Chelsea in sixth with two Prem wins from nine games in 2025.FILIP JORGENSEN – 4Horrible error for Villa’s late winner as Asensio’s shot squirmed under his body and through his gloves- ironically he had made a crucial save before that.MALO GUSTO – 6 Failed to get a decent touch on Cash’s ball – and that led to Villa’s second half equaliser. Struggled to deal with Rashford’s presence.TREVOH CHALOBAH – 3The defender suffered a huge blow as he had to come off after just six minutes clutching his ribs following a challenge from Asensio.LEVI COLWILL – 6Found himself with a new central defensive partner early in the game and looked uncertain at times.MARC CUCURELLA – 6Defending Chelsea’s left flank was not as troublesome as the right hand side, and the Spaniard looked stylish as Villa applied more pressure.REECE JAMES – 6Stepped in for the injured Noni Madueke and took the captain’s armband, had a good battle with Cash.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6Right place, right time to open the scoring, a real threat early on, took a booking for the team, lucky to escape a second.MOISES CAICEDO – 7Provided a strong presence in midfield, spotted danger early and halted a number of Villa raids.His second-half ball should have provided Chelsea with their winner.COLE PALMER – 6Largely quiet game but wasted his chance to win the game when he collected a Caicedo through ball – but stumbled – that allowed Konsa to clear the shot PEDRO NETO – 7Great work for the opening goal when he left Maatsen standing before crossing to find Fernandez.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU- 5Hugged the left touchline, should have been involved more, not as much of a threat as Neto, subbed with 14 minutes to go.SUBSTOSIN ADARABIOYO: (for Chalobah, 6mins) – 6Needed some time to fit in at the back after Chalobah’s injury.JADON SANCHO: (for Nkunku, 76mins) – 5Did little to affect the game after coming on for an ineffective Nkunku. More