Italian under-21 manager Pierre Luigi Casiraghi, the former Chelsea striker, has slammed the childish attitude of Manchester United’s 18-year old Federico Macheda. ‘Kiko’, who burst onto the scene with goals against Aston Villa and Sunderland late last season, is yet to figure for United this campaign despite the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.
“He needs to grow a lot, both on the pitch and off it, if he wants to remain a part of this squad,” said Casiraghi.
“As a player he has many qualities, but they are yet to be expressed fully. If he wants to be a football player, then that is a fun job, but he needs to learn to be a real professional.
“At the moment, that is not the case with Macheda. I say this above all in his own interest. An 18-year-old boy has to throw himself around and give himself completely to the case.
“The job of an Under-21 Coach is also to help the players grow. I told Kiko clear as day, these are the rules and it’s his choice on what to do next.”
Macheda’s role in the United team has not been without controversy this season after a very public spat with team-mate Anderson.