Fergie hopes Italian whiz kid Macheda reproduces his heroics

London, Apr. 3 (ANI): Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is backing 17-year-old Old Trafford whizkid 'Kiko' Macheda to reproduce his heroics to help the Reds in their time of need.

It was April 5, 2009 and United had Liverpool and Chelsea snapping at their heels in the title race.

Worse, after two consecutive defeats Fergie's side were deadlocked at 2-2 at home to Aston Villa and looking set to drop two more vital points. Then, in the 93rd minute, Italian striker Macheda got the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the Villa penalty box. He flicked the ball back with his right foot to beat defender Luke Young, turned and smashed the winner past the visitors' keeper Brad Friedel.

The Sun quoted Ferguson as recalling: "It galvanised everyone, that's what scoring a late goal like that does for you. Two or three times over the years we've done it. But for a young kid to do it, who's just come on, at 17 years of age... to have the confidence and audacity to do what he did earmarked him to my mind as having a great chance of making it."

Macheda's season has been wrecked by a groin injury, limiting him to just three appearances in the Carling Cup and two games in the Champions League.

He went through lengthy yoga and stretching exercises and he has also built himself up physically. Now the Italian is ready to re-enter the fray.

Fergie added: "He will definitely be involved in the next few games. The boy's got exceptional talent when he's in the box - as good a talent as I've seen in a young centre-forward." (ANI)