The stakes were immense. After consecutive defeats to Liverpool and Fulham, United surrendered their lead at the top of the table. Trailing 2-1 with just over ten minutes remaining, the title defense looked to be slipping away until a 17-year-old debutant changed everything.
Match Timeline
| Time | Event | Scorer | Score |
| 14' | Goal | Cristiano Ronaldo | 1 - 0 |
| 30' | Goal | John Carew | 1 - 1 |
| 58' | Goal | Gabriel Agbonlahor | 1 - 2 |
| 80' | Goal | Cristiano Ronaldo | 2 - 2 |
| 90+3' | Goal | Federico Macheda | 3 - 2 |
Key Moments
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The Clinical Start: Ronaldo opened the scoring early with a powerful indirect free-kick inside the box.
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The Villa Resurgence: Carew’s header and Agbonlahor’s close-range finish stunned the Stretford End, putting the visitors in control.
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The Equaliser: With the clock ticking, Ronaldo found the bottom corner from the edge of the area to restore hope.
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The Masterstroke: Sir Alex Ferguson turned to youth, bringing on Federico Macheda for Nani in the 61st minute.
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The Turn and Strike: Deep into stoppage time, Macheda received the ball from Giggs, executed a perfect Cruyff turn to bypass Luke Young, and curled a stunning shot into the far corner.
"Great turn... MACEDA... OH HE'S DONE IT."
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