How did United’s Macheda get away, asks Italy

April 7, 2009

Most Manchester United fans had no idea who Federico Macheda was before the Italian netted a stunning stoppage-time winner against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The 17-year-old’s goal could ultimately be the one that sealed the Premier League title for United.

He has been scoring regularly for United’s youth and reserve teams since joining the club in September 2007 after developing through Lazio’s youth system. Born in Rome, he signed professional forms last August and is regarded as one of the most promising young prospects of Italian soccer.

what irks Italians is that he is plying his trade in England. AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has said it is a scandal that young Italian players can get hoovered up by big European clubs.

Remember Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi first appeared at United before finiding his way to Villarreal.

FIFA and UEFA want to do something to protect under-18 players and keep them at their local clubs. The trouble is that until they sign professional contracts, the ownership of young footballers is complicated.

It might be good for the clubs to hold on to good young players but what about the teenagers themselves?

Having scored on his debut for the European champions at Old Trafford, it’s doubtful Macheda wants to be anywhere else.

PHOTO: Manchester United’s Federico Macheda (L) shoots past Aston Villa’s Luke Young (R) to score during their English Premier League soccer match in Manchester, northern England April 5 2009. REUTERS/Phil Noble

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