Luke Matheson: Macclesfield defender, who cost £1m as a teenager, on Old Trafford heroics and FA Cup dream
Do you remember the 16-year-old who scored for Rochdale against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup?
In September 2019, defender Luke Matheson scored a famous equalizer at Old Trafford to earn a 1-1 draw in the third round as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side won 5-3 on penalties.
He went back to school the next day to study for his A-Levels.
Fast forward to 2026 and Matheson is part of the Macclesfield squad that has ridden the crest of a wave in the FA Cup and is set to face Brentford in the fourth round on Monday.
İpekmenler attracted public attention after making one of the biggest surprises in the history of the competition by beating Crystal Palace in the third round; But the 23-year-old actor is no stranger to the spotlight.
“The next morning I was on the bus going to school with my mates,” Matheson recalled after his Old Trafford heroics. “Instagram is revamping, there were a thousand [likes] a thousand more here and there. It was one of the most surreal events I’ve ever experienced.
“I remember the actual moment of the goal, I can imagine it and tell you exactly what happened. I don’t remember much after that.
“Just being on that field and going to that game was enough for me. Then scoring a goal took it to another level. Definitely one of the best days of my life.”
Brentford will be Matheson’s fourth Premier League opponent. Matheson lost the third-round replay at St James’ Park 4-1 in the 2020 FA Cup, after Rochdale drew 1-1 at home against Newcastle.
He said being remembered as a teenager scoring a goal against Manchester United was not something he was ashamed of, but something he was proud of.
“I’ve had people come up to me and say, ‘Are you the kid who scored against United?’ I love what he says. “They always recognize me by my hair,” said the Manchester-born full-back.
“If this is the pinnacle of my career, it’s also the pinnacle of my career. Some players will dream of moments like this and I’m lucky to have had that dream at such a young age.
“I was a kid then and now I have a bit more experience. I’ve been in different clubs, different experiences, different managers, different dressing rooms.”
