Man Utd cult hero Federico Macheda signs for his 13th club as career nosedives 15 years after heroics against Villa
MANCHESTER UNITED cult hero Federico Macheda has signed for his THIRTEENTH club just 15 years after his iconic debut against Aston Villa.
The Italian striker, 33, was most recently at Turkish Super Lig side Ankaragucu, where he netted just once in 14 games.
Federico Macheda has just signed for his THIRTEENTH club with Greek side Asteros Tripolis
Getty – ContributorMacheda is a Man Utd fan favourite after his incredible debut[/caption]
Macheda made just ONE appearance for them last season after falling out of favour.
But he is now set for a brand new start after moving to Greece.
Macheda has penned a deal with top-flight side Asteras Tripolis.
And he will be managed by none other than Chelsea legend Claude Makelele, who took charge last month after a trophy-laden playing career.
Macheda is now at his 13th club, having made his pro debut at United 15 years ago in 2009.
The forward immediately endeared himself to fans by netting a 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa aged 17.
And he remains United’s youngest-ever Premier League scorer to this day.
But a dip in form and several injury setbacks saw Macheda get less and less chances under Sir Alex Ferguson.
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He embarked on a series of loans to Sampdoria, QPR, Stuttgart, Doncaster and Birmingham.
And Macheda was finally released in 2014 after five goals in 36 outings, with Cardiff quickly moving for him.
Macheda came off the bench to net a 93rd minute winner against Aston Villa in 2009Getty – Contributor
Getty – ContributorMacheda remains United’s youngest-ever Premier League scorer[/caption]
Getty – ContributorHe will be managed in Greece by Chelsea legend Claude Makelele[/caption]
The former Italy U21s star netted eight goals in 33 games for the Welsh side while also taking in a brief loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
In 2016 he moved to Italy’s second tier with Novara, scoring 11 times in 52 games across two campaigns.
And Macheda then ended up spending four seasons with Panathinaikos, clocking up 116 appearances and 40 goals in the process.
His 2022 move to Ankaragucu did not work though, with Macheda joining his 12th club APOEL on a six-month loan.
But the ace is determined to have another successful stint in Greece, with Makelele hopeful of helping Macheda rediscover his best form with 13th side Asteras.
