Mention the name Federico Macheda to any knowing Man Utd fan and they'll no doubt give you a warm smile in response.
Few have lit up Old Trafford quite so immediately into their United career than the young Italian did on his debut in 2009.
With title-chasing United 2-1 down at home to Aston Villa, it was left to Macheda's introduction off the bench to curl home a winner in the dying moments, following Cristiano Ronaldo's leveller.
But Macheda's Red Devils career never hit the same heights, and he eventually forced through a loan move to Sampdoria.
It was the beginning of the end of his time as a United player, and one he now admits was a mistake.
“I wouldn’t make that decision again," Macheda told Goal. "I once said that going to Sampdoria was a mistake because it was a negative experience for me but it’s part and parcel of a footballer’s career.
“Sometimes you take a good, sometimes a bad decision. That one was a bad one. But it was a good lesson, which taught me a lot.”
The Sampdoria spell was Macheda's first of five clubs he toured temporarily, before eventually departing United permanently for Cardiff in 2014.
Now 28, Macheda is plying his trade at Greek club Panathinaikos who finished fourth in the Super League table this season.
His old club United went on to win the title following his match-winning goal against Villa, and Macheda looks back on his time at the club with only fond memories.
“I don’t regret anything," he added. " Manchester United was a very beautiful experience for me and I still have many fantastic memories of my time there. Memories that I still take with me everywhere I go.
“In Manchester I grew up not only as a player but also as a man and I will always cherish those wonderful memories of my time playing for the biggest club in the world.”
