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FEDERICO MACHEDA always knew Sir Alex Ferguson was a special manager.But an unexpected phone call out of the blue this month – seven years after they last spoke – confirmed how much of a special man he is too.Sir Alex Ferguson reached out to get in touch with Federico Macheda this monthCredit: AFP – GettyMacheda rose to fame with the dramatic winner on his Manchester United debut aged 17Credit: AFP – GettyMacheda was all smiles as he told SunSport about his surprise phone callCredit: Asteras TripolisAnd it hit home again how much the Italian striker regrets defying his legendary boss’ advice at Manchester United.Macheda made his name in April 2009 with his famous injury-time winner against Aston Villa at Old Trafford as a 17-year-old debutant.He then grabbed the decisive goal against Sunderland a week later as the Red Devils won the Premier League from Liverpool by four points.The teenage wonderkid’s United career, though, did not live up to the early excitement as Macheda struggled for regular first-team minutes.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe went on three loans during Ferguson’s reign before two more following the gaffer’s retirement in 2013, then eventually left permanently for Cardiff in 2014.His journeyman career includes spells in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus and he is now back in Greece with European-chasing Asteras Tripolis.So nearly 12 years after they stopped working together, Macheda was taken aback when an unknown number phoned him earlier in February… and it was that iconic Glaswegian accent on the other end.Macheda, 33, told SunSport: “All of a sudden I had a surprise call from him while I was driving with my wife.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“She said, ‘Stop the car.’ I didn’t have his number saved.“We hadn’t spoken for six or seven years.How Sir Alex Ferguson ‘refused to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave stadium until he signed for Man Utd’ “Sir Alex called me just to know how I was, asking about my life, my family, my son, getting married.“We had a very easy, good conversation about Greece, my time at Manchester United, United at the moment for seven or eight minutes.“This surprise call made me understand that this guy is something else.“He was always amazing with me but to speak to him lately was great because he keeps following his players. It made my day because I owe him so much.”As with many young talents, Macheda signed for Manchester United because of Ferguson’s personal appeal.His quality in the Lazio academy impressed a scout so when the Red Devils played at Roma in the Champions League quarter-finals in April 2007, classy Fergie reached out.Macheda explained: “I was away with Italy Under-16s. Sir Alex invited my family to the hotel. They spoke about everything.“Sir Alex gave my family a United shirt with my name and the No9.“My father called me and told me that the situation was serious. He told me to leave everything. It’s not every day Sir Alex does these kinds of things.“At 15, I never thought I would leave Rome for another country, another city, my friends and family. But after this, I was convinced.”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 officially joined United in September 2007, the month after turning 16, and made his memorable bow two years on from that hotel meeting.Ferguson’s strikeforce featured Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez and a teenage Danny Welbeck as they battled rivals Liverpool for the 2008-09 Premier League.But a shortage ahead of the must-win Villa clash meant Ferguson turned to Macheda.He said: “The strikers had some problems: Rooney suspended, Tevez coming back from Argentina and Berbatov injured.“So Sir Alex came to me on the Wednesday at Carrington and said if I did well that night in the reserves at St James’ Park, I had a good chance of being in the first team on Sunday. I was shocked.“That night I scored a hat-trick and made sure this was my moment.”Lo and behold, Ferguson named Macheda on the bench against Villa and, trailing 2-1 on the hour mark, summoned him – although the youngster initially thought Fergie was calling for Welbeck next to him.The rest is history.Ronaldo equalised then in the 93rd minute, Macheda received Ryan Giggs’ pass, turned with a brilliant backheel then curled a perfect finish inside the far post beyond Brad Friedel, sparking wild scenes.Macheda insists he has never seen dressing room celebrations like it since as Fergie hugged his golden boy and United’s biggest stars kissed the hero.Macheda also got the winner against SunderlandCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHis two goals helped United win the title by four points from LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe striker knows Ferguson had a special affection for himCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdFerguson still keeps an eye on how his former prodigy is getting on all these years laterCredit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesMacheda managed five goals in 36 United appearances in totalCredit: ReutersHis instinctive goal against Sunderland helped Ferguson boldly declare Macheda was the best finisher at the club at the time.The Scot clearly had a special affection for the young Rome native and held high hopes for his Old Trafford career to flourish into much more than five goals in 36 appearances.But Macheda admits he didn’t understand the mentality and effort required to fulfil his potential.And going against his gaffer’s wisdom on the best steps for his development still pains the striker.Macheda first went out on loan to Sampdoria for the second half of the 2010-11 season before brief stints with QPR and Stuttgart under Fergie’s watch.But he was too young and naive to realise it was not because Ferguson was giving up on him.I regret it. Sir Alex knew better and I didn’t. I was a kid.Federico MachedaMacheda added: “Sir Alex liked me a lot and told everybody I was the best finisher in the club.“His plan was to make me play every week and come back ready for the first team.“I didn’t want to go on loan because I was playing more than previous years and thought my development was going well.“I was a little bit disappointed but said, ‘OK, if that’s what he wants, I have to do it.’“I had seven or eight offers from the Premier League. Sir Alex tried to convince me to stay there to see me up close but I had an offer from Italy and decided to go.“Now I regret it but at that moment, it was my decision.“I thought going on loan for six months was nothing. I was wrong. Six-month loans never helped me.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Sir Alex didn’t react badly. He just gave me the OK. He knew better and I didn’t. I was a kid.“You should listen to people who know better about everything.”Macheda struggled for game time as he faced competition from some of the world’s best strikersCredit: Action Images – ReutersFerguson wanted the youngster to go on loan in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyMacheda decided to join Sampdoria but the loan went badly and he never fully recoveredCredit: GettyHis string of temporary deals included a stint at DoncasterCredit: PA:Empics SportMacheda is enjoying his football now at Greek side Asteras TripolisCredit: Asteras TripolisHe hopes to power his new team back into EuropeCredit: Asteras TripolisMacheda has now saved Fergie’s phone numberMacheda scored against Aston Villa again in November 2010Credit: PA:Press AssociationHe eventually left United in 2014 and played under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at CardiffCredit: PA:Press AssociationMacheda sat down with SunSport at Asteras Tripolis’ stadiumCredit: Asteras TripolisFederico 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.” More

CHELSEA reverted to winning ways as they smashed Southampton 4-0 at Stamford Bridge.Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella set the Blues on their way to victory.Chelsea cruised to a 4-0 win over Southampton on Tuesday nightCredit: PAThe Blues ended their run of three successive defeatsCredit: GettyIt ended a run of three straight defeats in all competitions.Chelsea had lost twice to Brighton, including once in the FA Cup, before suffering a late defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.And victory came after fans held a protest on the Fulham Road, with banners taking aim at Todd Boehly and BlueCo.The result saw Chelsea move back into fourth to keep their Champions League dream alive.Just four points separate them from 10th-place Villa.And Chelsea will be hoping to build some momentum in their next games against Copenhagen and Leicester.But who was Chelsea’s best player on the night?Was there someone on the bench who did enough to impress boss Enzo Maresca?BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd did anyone have a game to forget despite the result?Here, SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield delivers his Chelsea player ratings against Southampton…Enzo Maresca hopes to change Chelsea’s over-reliance on Cole Palmer FILIP JORGENSEN – 6He’s no Petr Cech or Thibaut Courtois, but he recovered from his Villa Park howler with a clean sheet against the Saints.Fans are still not convinced by the Dane, and groans echoed around the ground when he got the ball at his feet – though they were grateful for him when he made a cat-like save to deny Onuachu in the first half.If you gave them a chance they’d probably take on-loan Petrovic back from Strasbourg, the Serbian stopper has three clean sheets in his last three – typical.MALO GUSTO – 6Put in a fantastic challenge on Sulemana early in the second half, which was symbolic of his aggression on the right side of defence tonight.Defended well throughout the game, but perhaps could’ve offered more from an attacking point of view as Reece James often does.Chelsea will be pleased to see him improve though as two performing right-backs in this side is essential.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 8’Uncle Tosin’ as he is affectionately known in the dressing room, was imperious in the air at the back for the Blues.He rose highest to flick the ball on to Christopher Nkunku as Maresca’s men opened the scoring in the first half, as well as saving Chelsea at the back early on in the game.His second half showing was equally as solid, and he has been a more than important signing from local rivals Fulham this campaign.LEVI COLWILL – 9Marking 6ft 7inch giant Paul Onuachu is no easy feat no matter how good you are, but Chelsea’s own Levi Colwill did that job pretty well.It was a necessary assured performance from the man touted as a future club captain after a few sloppy showings.He stepped into his challenges brilliantly and scored a powerful header to add a third to Chelsea’s tally in the first half.MARC CUCURELLA – 9Chelsea’s pantomime villain has made the inverted fullback role his own under Enzo Maresca, and is one of the best in the Premier League at doing that job.Intercepted numerous Southampton passes into midfield and progresses the Blues so well down the left, playing a vital role in Chelsea’s second goal doing exactly that.Topped off an almost perfect night with a fantastic finish into the bottom right corner to totally kill the game off.Gets a bonus point for his penguin celebration…MOISES CAICEDO – 8A pretty regular night by his standards, though the standards of a £115m midfielder are pretty lofty.The Ecuadorian was combative in midfield, working tirelessly to consistently win the ball back in Chelsea’s midfield as N’Golo Kante once did before him.While he is controlled on the ball and looks more than comfortable with it at his feet, it is his off-the-ball work which really sets him apart from other defensive mids in this league.ENZO FERNANDEZ (C) – 8Probably Chelsea’s most creative player in the first half, Enzo played a deeper role than he has the past two games and was arguably robbed of two assists by Cole Palmer.The Argentine was Chelsea’s midfield metronome, setting the tempo for his side and keeping attacks flowing smoothly throughout.His only criticism would be a tendency to take one too many touches and occasionally slow down promising breaks for his side.JADON SANCHO – 4A pretty quiet showing from him on the right wing tonight, with Nkunku occupying his usual spot on the left.Had a few flashes of good footwork as he always does, and wasn’t bad by any means but it didn’t look like the electric Jadon Sancho we saw when he first joined.He will surely welcome the return of Nicolas Jackson or Marc Guiu when they are back, as he looked a little lost without a real target to aim for with crosses into the box.COLE PALMER – 2It’s tough to write this, but it looks as though Cole Palmer has gone well and truly off the boil at the moment.The usually ever-reliable goal scorer missed THREE huge first-half chances which could’ve seen his side 6-0 up at half-time, and looked devoid of confidence after rolling the third wide.There is no doubt among fans that he will be back, as they sung his name loud and proud, but it looks like he’s in need of one of those moments of magic to re-ignite the spark in that fantastic left foot of his.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 8The Frenchman popped up at the back post after a Chelsea corner to deflate Southampton’s hopes of a result at Stamford Bridge within 25 minutes.Just 10 minutes later his perfectly weighted pass for Neto saw an assist added to his performance too.This game should give him a much needed confidence boost ahead of Copenhagen and Leicester where he will expect to have his blue balloon out once more.PEDRO NETO – 8What could’ve been a tough night for Neto turned into a brilliant one when he smashed the ball past Aaron Ramsdale and into the back of the net in the first half.The Portuguese winger was playing up front in the absence of Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, and got his just reward after working his socks off throughout the night.Also claimed an assist with a whipped free-kick perfect for Levi Colwill to power home.SUBSKiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Pedro Neto, 68) – 5Helped regulate the Chelsea midfield as they played without a striker when he came on, but ultimately didn’t impact the game much.Tyrique George (Jadon Sancho, 68) – 7Cobham star Tyrique George followed up a bright showing at Brighton with a first Premier League assist and tricky performance on both wings at times after coming on.There wouldn’t be many complaints from home supporters if he was given a start over Jadon Sancho against Copenhagen or Leicester.Josh Achaempong (Christopher Nkunku, 83) – 5Didn’t have much to do at the back after coming on as Chelsea were dominant until the end.Mathis Amougou (Moises Caicedo, 83) – 5Like Acheampong, did not have enough time to make an impact.Shim Mhueka (Enzo Fernandez, 87) – 6Almost scored with his first touch after coming on at the death to make his debut, but his header was denied by Ramsdale.Having watched him shine for the academy this season, you can rest assured this guy is a striker to look out for and don’t be surprised to see him given further chances this season. 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