Federico Macheda has warned Marcus Rashford to stay grounded and not believe the hype that surrounds the Manchester United youngster. Rashford’s winner in the Europa League and his brace against Arsenal days later are reminiscent of Macheda’s title aiding goal against Aston Villa, although the former United striker’s career stalled after that.
Speaking to The Sun, Macheda, who is now at Welsh side Cardiff City, urged Rashford to stay grounded, saying “Marcus needs to continue working hard, don’t grow a big head, don’t read or listen to all the hype and be lucky with injuries.”
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However, Macheda believes that Rashford is at the perfect club to not let the hype affect him, as the Cardiff striker feels that Louis van Gaal will ensure that Rashford will be given opportunities, despite the presence of Rooney and Martial.
“The kid has got a great chance to play more than I had, so he must stay as calm and hungry as he is now. United will look after him — so everything is stacked in his favour. I’m happy for Marcus because I know how it feels. It’s great. I was watching when he scored. It’s just amazing for him.”
Leaving United on loan killed Macheda’s career
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson offered Macheda some sound advice after the Italian’s rise to fame, saying “Sir Alex met my parents because he wanted me protected and to take things in the right direction. He wanted to make sure I’d continue working hard and not let any hype have a bad influence on me.”
However, Ferguson’s recommendation that Macheda go out on loan to stay fit proved to the Italian’s undoing, as he felt it was the death-knell for his chances at United, saying “Sir Alex told me it would not be bad for me to go out on loan to be fit for the following season. I don’t know why I went to Italy. It was the worst mistake of my career. I should have stayed in England.”
“I wanted to play in Serie A. The team wasn’t so great and I was in and out. I was only 19 and we got relegated so it was not the best for me. When I came back, I had to work three times harder to get another chance. It wasn’t easy.”
Macheda was later loaned out to QPR, Stuttgart, Doncaster and Birmingham before being released by the Red Devils, although he’s still positive at Cardiff, despite not having scored all season, saying “I am still young enough to have a good career.”
