Two crucial goals in two crucial games. The Magic of Macheda has kept Manchester United’s title dreams alive.
The 17 year old made his debut with a stunning injury time goal against Aston Villa last week and the former Lazio youth academy player has done it again.
United travelled away to Sunderland expecting an easy 3 points and the first 20 minutes of the game looked that way.
Paul Scholes capped a dominant start by heading the Red Devils into the lead at the 19th minute.
Rooney cut inside on to his right foot to deliver the perfect cross for the unmarked Scholes to glance a pin point header past the stranded Craig Gordon and into the top corner.
Sunderland managed to equalise on the 55th minute. Kenwyne Jones poked the ball into the back of an empty net after Foster made a blunder of a mistake failing to claim Teemu Tainio’s cross.
Macheda was the hero for United once again. The 17 year old had been on the pitch for just seconds when he steered Carrick’s shot past helpless Sunderland keeper Gordon in the 76th minute.
SELGA
Guest
Liverpool have had their fair share of mediocre performances that have produced wins during the early stages of the season Sambo and if you want to talk about relying on players where would Liverpool be without Gerrard! And Rellum Lazio only showed an interest in keeping Macheda once they knew Manchester United were trying to sign him.
jimbo
Guest
Another couple of exciting games tomorrow morning and the alarm clock is set early again. You'd think its Chelsea and Porto to move into the semis, but you can't write off Liverpool or ManU. How did Liverpool come back from 3 nil down at half time against a classy AC Milan side to win the ECL Title on penalties? ManU have proven themselves as the best team in the world and would think are a class above Porto and even playing below their best could annihilate them.
Sambo
Guest
Dario Man U are scraping (keyword) wins in very average form. Saying Liverpool are winning big against teams that dont show up to play is just nonsense. Did you want them to organise to play a big 4 opponent every week? You can only play who your up against, and we play Arsenal and Spurs at home and West Ham away in the run in, pretty tough matches. The Chelsea match proved a few things, Gerrard is the key player in the run in, if he fires, Liverpool fire, and Essien was brilliant in shutting him down at Anfield. United are limping toward the finish line, using 17 year old kids to help them towards the title with flukey tap ins and such, whilst Liverpool is storming home full of confidence (especially in home matches) Game in hand my prove Uniteds main advantage in the run in
Rellum
Guest
It is too bad that Lazio couldn't hang onto him. With the restrictive laws in place in Italy that allow teams like united to give jobs and large sums of money to 14 year olds and their families, they never really had a chance. Petrucci will soon make the same impact.
Dario Simpatico
Guest
Sambo Man U are winning games in average form. Liverpool are winning big against teams that dont show up to play (Blackburn) but are struggling against quality teams (Chelsea) Man U still look most likely to win
Sambo
Guest
Good luck to United if they are going to rely on 17 year old kids to bring them a title. As a Liverpool supporter I really hope United get the win in Porto on Thursday, ensuring they have to play another 2 games this season, whilst Liverpool will just have the 6 league games to worry about seeing the Chelsea tie is dead. United have scrapped two woeful wins against Villa and Sunderland, and there is no way this mix of luck and poor form can last them for the remaining 7 EPL games, 4 CL games (should they make the final) and two FA Cup games (should they make the final or have a semi replay) All in all that is a potential 13 games in 6 weeks, so two games a week. The defence is shakey, there will be more injuries and suspensions no doubt, and dont be surprised if United end this season winning none of the remaining competitions they are in.
Slippery Jim
Guest
And apples are red and hang on trees - what's your point, David V?
David V.
Guest
Schillachi was a prolific scorer at Messina before going to Juventus. It was only that after that one good year with Juve, he was more heavily marked by defenders and never regained form.
jimbo
Guest
His last goal was a bit flukey, but he seems to have the knack of being in the right place at the right time. And what a team to make your debut with. Would even make Robbie Kruse or Chris Payne look good. Reminds me a bit of the young Schillaci.
Sam
Guest
At 17 years of age looks a real talent. I saw his goal against Aston Villa and it was superb. In the next few years if Man Utd manages to keep Ronaldo, Tevez, Rooney and Macheda, they will be awfully hard to beat.
Alan
Roar Guru
Hey Matty Let's hope he does not develop an ego. A dream start but he has to keep his feet on the ground in the early stages of his career.