And Macheda, who is now strutting his stuff in Greece with Panathinaikos, has now revealed what Ronaldo said before his own late goal.
"My touches were good,” he told ESPN, recalling the afternoon that has defined his career.
“I was pressing, defending and confident. Ronaldo scored. 2-2.
“I went to celebrate with Ronaldo. I wanted to hug him. I didn't have the confidence to smash his chest in celebration because I didn't know him that well, so I went to hug him because I thought it might never happen again.
“If my career ended in that moment, then I would have been on the pitch next to Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Juventus star played alongside Federico Macheda at Man Utd (Image: GETTY)
Cristiano Ronaldo: Juventus star scored for Man Utd on the same day as Federico Macheda (Image: GETTY)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"Ronaldo said, 'Let's go!' but I couldn't go, I was f*****! There was 10 minutes left.
“The tension, the pressure of doing well in front of all these people. I'd been running like a dog when he's happy, and I couldn't breathe any more ... but we needed to win."
Macheda then opened up on his own goal, admitting it was a huge moment for him.
"I was tired, but I tried to back heel again. I turned and shot,” he added.
“I wasn't even looking at the goal. It was instinct. At least I would have had one shot on goal.