Ferguson to Reward Macheda's Winning Heroics With Champions League Berth
Sir Alex Ferguson all but guaranteed that Federic Macheda will be involved in Manchester United's Champions League match against Porto
Federico Macheda will remain in the Manchester United limelight tonight. The 17-year-old, who marked his debut as a substitute with a stoppage-time goal to help defeat Aston Villa 3–2 on Sunday, is virtually certain to be on the scene for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final with Porto at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson all but guaranteed that Macheda would be rewarded. "I think he will be involved, on the bench," said the manager. "I've got Wayne Rooney back, which is a big bonus to us, but it's difficult to leave [Macheda] out, isn't it?"
It was significant not simply that the young forward should find the net but also that he did so after a fine first touch. On Sunday's slim evidence he appeared ready to assume a more important role despite not turning 18 until August.
"He's just a young boy," said Ferguson. "Young boys like to read good things about themselves but he's going to have to learn to handle all the adulation." Macheda was originally part of the Lazio youth system and the Serie A club yesterday renewed their complaints about the lack of uniformity across Europe over the recruiting of such players.
They could not have tied Macheda to a contract until he was 18. United persuaded him to join them in the autumn of 2007, with his family also relocating. Whatever Lazio's understandable grievances, United's efforts were a sign of their faith that Macheda would succeed. The fruits of his technique and apparent maturity were relished in particular because the team had lost its two previous matches, to Liverpool and Fulham. "That winning goal has galvanized the club," said Ferguson.
Macheda, though, has a rival. Prior to the Villa match, Danny Welbeck was the most talked about of United's emerging attackers. The Englishman has scored in the League and FA Cup this season. He also had an effort saved in stoppage time on Sunday before Macheda struck.
United have other reasons to be encouraged. In addition to Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Paul Scholes could reappear after suspensions applied to the domestic scene. Ferguson, however, seemed to rule out Rio Ferdinand, though his groin strain may have improved through missing Sunday's match.
Sir Alex Ferguson all but guaranteed that Macheda would be rewarded. "I think he will be involved, on the bench," said the manager. "I've got Wayne Rooney back, which is a big bonus to us, but it's difficult to leave [Macheda] out, isn't it?"
It was significant not simply that the young forward should find the net but also that he did so after a fine first touch. On Sunday's slim evidence he appeared ready to assume a more important role despite not turning 18 until August.
"He's just a young boy," said Ferguson. "Young boys like to read good things about themselves but he's going to have to learn to handle all the adulation." Macheda was originally part of the Lazio youth system and the Serie A club yesterday renewed their complaints about the lack of uniformity across Europe over the recruiting of such players.
They could not have tied Macheda to a contract until he was 18. United persuaded him to join them in the autumn of 2007, with his family also relocating. Whatever Lazio's understandable grievances, United's efforts were a sign of their faith that Macheda would succeed. The fruits of his technique and apparent maturity were relished in particular because the team had lost its two previous matches, to Liverpool and Fulham. "That winning goal has galvanized the club," said Ferguson.
Macheda, though, has a rival. Prior to the Villa match, Danny Welbeck was the most talked about of United's emerging attackers. The Englishman has scored in the League and FA Cup this season. He also had an effort saved in stoppage time on Sunday before Macheda struck.
United have other reasons to be encouraged. In addition to Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Paul Scholes could reappear after suspensions applied to the domestic scene. Ferguson, however, seemed to rule out Rio Ferdinand, though his groin strain may have improved through missing Sunday's match.
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