RETURN OF THE MACH
Man Utd cult hero Federico Macheda in stunning form for Panathinaikos and linked to big-money European transfer
FORMER Manchester United wonderkid Federico Macheda has rediscovered his best form in Greece and is now being linked with a big-money move.
The Italian forward, 28, first burst on to the scene in the Premier League back in 2009.
He bagged goals in his first two league appearances as a 17-year-old, helping Sir Alex Ferguson's side to the Prem title.
Macheda instantly became a cult hero for the Red Devils when he came off the bench to net a last-minute worldie on debut against Aston Villa and secure the three points.
United came from behind in the game to win 3-2 with Cristiano Ronaldo notching a brace.
The young super sub netted again against Sunderland and a star appeared to have been born.
After an exhilarating start to life in the English top-flight, fans and pundits predicted a glittering career at Old Trafford for the forward.
Many even suggested he could fill the void left by Ronaldo - who joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2009.
But his United career never took off and he failed to hit the desired heights under a weight of expectation.
Macheda was shipped out on loan to Sampdoria, QPR, Stuttgart, Doncaster and Birmingham City before joining Cardiff City on a permanent deal in 2014.
After a brief loan spell at Nottingham Forest in 2016 he moved to Italian side Novara before joining Panathinaikos in 2018.
With experience under his belt, Macheda has resurrected his fledgling career by finally displaying the form of old in Greece.
Macheda has been in blistering form this season and averages a goal every other game with reporting that his goalscoring exploits could land him a move to Spain in the future.
He has scored 14 goals and landed three assists in 28 games in all competitions for the Greek side this season after hitting a purple patch.
The Italian has compiled a phenomenal record in just a couple of years in the Greek Super League and is sure to be offered around by super agent Mino Raiola.
