United’s New van Nistelrooy

By Brian Lofrumento | 17th April 2009

United's New van Nistelrooy | read this item

Related News

machedawinner When Taylor Fisher named Federico Macheda last week’s Wednesday Wonder, few people – myself included – expected the 17 year old to make any further impact this season. Let’s face it, Macheda was only in the squad against Aston Villa because of injuries and suspensions, and his spot on the bench against Sunderland was more out of respect for the Italian. Macheda, however, was not interested in charity as he scored yet another game winner for the Red Devils.

Watching this young man play, I can’t help but think Manchester United has finally found a true replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy. The likes of Louis Saha, Henrik Larsson, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez, and Dimitar Berbatov have filled the void left by the departed Dutchman, but none of these players are in the same mold as van Nistelrooy. None of United’s attacking players have been the wolf in the box that Ruud was, and while the added mobility has increased the goal tally at Old Trafford, something has been missing.

Federico Macheda is determined the change all of that. Before we get carried away about his ability, let’s face the facts about the young man. At 17 years old, Macheda already has scored two game winning goals in two appearances for the champions of Europe. Like Ruud, Macheda doesn’t rely on pace or finesse to score goals. Instead, this fox in the box pops up in all the right places. Look no further than his winner against Sunderland – a misplaced Michael Carrick shot just happens to be redirected by the stealthy Macheda. It’s no coincidence that it was Macheda there – the boy knows where to be and when. It is this positional sense that makes Macheda – like Ruud – an out and out striker than can be counted on to get goals.

What remains to be seen is whether or not Federico can become the man that Manchester United needs. While he’s still a boy, it’s great for him to get some experience under his belt, but to truly become an Old Trafford legend he’ll need to find consistency and patience. He has proven that he only needs one chance to score (or even half a chance), he has the size and power, and now all he needs is to learn from those around him. There’s no better place than Manchester United.

Will Macheda go on to be an excellent player or will he fade out like so many other youngsters? Have your say below or head on over to the Premiership Talk Forum!

Oscar Pye-Jeary says:

April 21, 2009 at 2:17 pm

He wasn’t great the other day, but it was a tough game to be thrown into…especially with few experienced players around him. He displayed enough promising link up play to show he’s a prospect. I’d like to see him started against Portsmouth. It’s a good match to see what his first team prospects really are. Van Nistelrooy would relish Portsmouth at home

Reply to this Comment
Taylor Fisher says:

April 17, 2009 at 8:31 am

Absolutely Mike, but I’m just glad he is performing well coming off the bench after sitting for such a long time!

Reply to this Comment
Mike Diamente says:

April 17, 2009 at 1:07 am

Personally I would like to see how he plays for a full 90 minutes before I declare him the next Ruud…

With that being said he’s played the perfect season thus far

Reply to this Comment
Taylor Fisher says:

April 17, 2009 at 12:56 am

Macheda is absolutely fantastic! I hope he keeps his form up for the rest of the season and he gets a chance next season!

Reply to this Comment