Start to finish: Macheda's first-team call up was preceded by a prolific spell for the Reserves - eight goals in eight games, including a hat-trick away to Newcastle on the Monday before the Sunday of his stunning senior debut. Even with Berbatov suffering from an ankle injury and Rooney suspended, Macheda’s inclusion on the bench against Aston Villa was a gamble but it paid off spectacularly.
In position: Kiko bears some hallmarks of Dimitar Berbatov in his playing style, but also has more than a hint of the classic Italian goal-poacher about him. He truly comes alive inside the area, with no situation too tight to get in the way of a pop at goal.
Season highlight: On the back of two straight defeats and being held at 2-2 by Villa, United needed a goal as injury-time began. Three minutes into the added period, Macheda pounced for arguably the season's defining moment. The Italian controlled Ryan Giggs’ pass with a swift turn and without looking up, curled the ball instinctively into the far corner to start a title-clinching run of seven successive wins. "To come on and score a goal like that, an important goal, was incredible,” said Sir Alex.
Vital contribution: United’s not-so secret weapon was at it again just six days after the Villa match, again turning one league point into three with a winner at Sunderland.
Any lows: Kiko’s former club Lazio dampened the mood after his finest hour against Villa. “The papers were full of unhelpful comments,” said Academy director Brian McClair.
Any other business: Federico’s dad was so confident his son would make it, he quit his job. And how Kiko has repaid that faith...
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