1. Federico Macheda
A product of Manchester United's youth academy, Federico "Kiko" Macheda has been with the Red Devils since the age of 16, having moved from Lazio in 2007. Since then, however, the Italian has only made 19 appearances for United, scoring just four goals - one of which being that now-famous goal vs Aston Villa that essentially helped Ferguson's side to the 2008-09 Premier League title. That strike came on his debut, at the age of 17, and great things were expected of Macheda ever since. Unfortunately, the starlet has only rarely looked like hitting those heights again in a United shirt, and has spent the last three years on loan at Sampdoria, QPR, Stuttgart and more recently Doncaster Rovers. Macheda's brief stint at the latter
was cut short by injury and he was returned to United, though is expected to be farmed out once more when recovered. There are many who are wondering however if it would be better for him to just stay there. Fondly remembered by fans for his heroic goal in the last minute of stoppage time vs Villa, supporters, and Macheda, cannot live off nostalgia alone, and his time is now surely all but up.
Which former Man Utd hopefuls do you remember fading into obscurity? Let us know in the comment section, below.