Former Manchester United forward Federico Macheda has advised Marcus Rashford to work hard despite a sparkling start to his senior career.

The ex-Red Devils academy starlet also endured similar start to his senior career, but faded away with time and now plays his trade at Championship side Cardiff City.

Rashford was able to get a chance in the first team due to injuries to numerous strikers and like Macheda was able to achieve the same feat ofscoring in the debut game for the Red Devils. The Italian believes Rashford has a better chance to do well than he had at Old Trafford.

Rashford should not grow a big head

Macheda was sent on loan to numerous clubs after a dream debut. Having been also unlucky with various injuries that depleted his time at Old Trafford, he was signed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who was his reserve coach at United and then Cardiff manager in 2014. Following this experience, he believes that Rashford should be calm with hype around him and continue to work hard.

Macheda himself failed to make an impact at Old Trafford following a promising debut | Photo: Getty
Macheda himself failed to make an impact at Old Trafford following a promising debut | Photo: Getty

He  added that the youngster "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” in order to continue his upward trajectory following his sparkling debut against FC Midtjylland at Old Trafford - helping United come from behind and win 5-1 with two goals of his own. 

Rashford has a good chance to make his mark at Old Trafford

The 18-year-old also didn’t disappoint on his full Premier League debut as he helped the Red Devils to snatch a 3-2 win over Arsenal by scoring two goals and assisting the third goal. Roy Hodgson also admitted that he will keep an eye on the 18-year-old for his Euro 2016 plans for England.

Following that, Macheda also admitted that he "has got a great chance to play more" than he did as long as he stays "as calm and hungry as he is now.” He believes that the club “will look after him so everything is stacked in his favour."

Louis Van Gaal will be in need of Rashford’s services as the Red Devils gear up to face Liverpool on Thursday in Europa League Round of 16.