The Goal That Launched Federico Macheda's Into The Spotlight

Here is the goal that catapulted 17 year old Federico Macheda into the worldwide spotlight.

Manchester United are playing Aston Villa on 5th April 2009 and the Federico Macheda comes off the bench in the 61st minute.

In the last minute of the game, the ball is played into him by Ryan Giggs, just inside the box. His back to goal, Macheda does a little back heel and spins around. The ball comes off the defender, falls at his feet and he curls the ball into the corner, past the goalkeeper Brad Friedel's outstretched hand.

The goal was a match winner and may even prove to be a title winner, as it allowed Manchester United to beat Aston Villa and move back in front of Liverpool. After United's recent stumbles against Liverpool and Fulham, they couldn't afford a draw against Aston Villa as all the momentum is with resurgent Liverpool.

But leaving all that aside, watch the goal. It's a stunner! A star is born. His name: Federico Macheda.