A talented striker back in the day, Federico Macheda was never able to live up to his full potential at Manchester United.
Just 17 years of age, the Italian striker became a Man United cult hero in April 2009 when he scored a dramatic 93rd-minute winner against Aston Villa.
One week later, he netted against Sunderland to secure United’s Premier League title. But despite his enormous potential, Macheda sadly fell well short of expectations.
In an interview with The Sun, Macheda revealed exactly what led to his downfall at Old Trafford.
“Sir Alex would tell everybody I was the best finisher in the club,” Macheda revealed, exhibiting just how highly then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson rated the forward. “I was surprised. It was the best team in the history of Manchester United with the names and quality.”
While unsure of the exact reason for Ferguson’s praise, Macheda assumed, “He must have some special feeling for me and for sure hoped things would be different for me.”
Soon, however, the player’s insecurities stepped in. “My dream was to keep going like I started, but I knew it was impossible. I had not just one striker in front of me but four stars of crazy value, talent and history.”
“Cristiano [Ronaldo] was an idol. It was never enough for him. Ronaldo was working next to me, swimming for one hour, but at 18 I didn’t understand this big mentality. I did what I was told but was not looking for extra steps,” Macheda explained, indicating that his efforts were far exceeded by Ronaldo.
“I never reached my full potential. Never,” Macheda admitted. “My United career should have been more. You get chances, but I didn’t take some. The biggest regret is I didn’t focus fully or work as hard as I should.”
“Sir Alex liked me lots as a player,r but I didn’t give him extra reasons to keep going with me,” the Italian concluded. “You must work 200 per cent every day to stay at United because they can have any player they want. I had the ability, but you must give more than everything to stay. I understand this now I’m older.”
While he may have missed the boat during his youth, Macheda did admit that he believes that he still has something to offer on the pitch, even going so far as to admit that he believes he could be an asset at United today.
“Now? At 33? I think I could play there. Yes. Do better? I don’t know. I must say it’s not easy to play for Manchester United now, but I think I could still play there,” he admitted.
Sadly, Macheda’s story is a warning to other players of the dangers of not putting in the full effort required to excel at United.
As young rising stars such as Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Kobbie Mainoo continue their ascent, they will do well to heed Macheda’s words so that they do not fall foul of the same errors as the 33 year old once did.
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
