Former Manchester United forward Frederico Macheda hit the headlines for the first time in years as he was sent off for two moments of madness during a Seire B game on Tuesday night.

The Italian is best remembered for netting a brilliant later winner against Aston Villa on his United debut in 2009, a goal which was crucial in helping the Red Devils win the league that season.

But his career has gone downhill since then and he now finds himself playing for Novara in the second tier of Italian football.

And Macheda had another moment to forget as he let his side down during their 1-1 draw with Cremonese.

The night looked to be going well for the 26-year-old who opened the scoring with his fourth goal of the season in the 51st minute.

But he went from hero to villain just eight minutes later as he was shown a straight red card after completely losing his head having been shunted to the floor.

Believing he had been brought down unfairly, Macheda kicked out at Daniele Croce before aiming a weak headbutt at Ivan Marconi who did not hesitate to go to ground.

The irate striker was immediately given his marching orders and his team soon conceded, the game ending 1-1.

Last year, Macheda, who has had spells with QPR, Doncaster, Birmingham and Cardiff, detailed a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson during his time at Old Trafford.

He explained how the then United boss had wanted him to go out on loan in England but he insisted on returning to Italy, admitting it was the 'worst mistake of my life'.

'Fergie wanted me to go on loan; I could see that was sensible,' Macheda revealed. Many Premier League clubs came in for me including Everton and Sunderland,' he said.

'But I wanted to play in Italy, in Serie A. Fergie did not agree and said I should play in England, where he could keep an eye on me.

'He said he didn't have the same power in Italy. I insisted on Italy and that was the worst mistake of my life.'