Federico Macheda - My debt to Ole

Federico Macheda: My debt to Cardiff City boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Norwegian Solskjaer was Manchester United’s reserve team manager and heavily involved when Macheda was promoted to the first team by Sir Alex Ferguson
Federico Macheda is aiming to repay a debt to Bluebirds boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer by producing the best season of his career.

Norwegian Solskjaer was Manchester United’s reserve team manager and heavily involved when Macheda was promoted to the first team by Sir Alex Ferguson and the Italian says: “He was unbelievably supportive to me at Old Trafford and worked with me through to the first team.”

Macheda, 22, made 19 Premier League appearances for United and scored four goals, but could not sustain his place in the team.

He left United this summer and linked up with Solskjaer again, saying: “I know the gaffer from our time at Old Trafford and he is exactly the same now as he was then.

“After he retired from playing he was always going to be a manager and was exceptionally good for me at United. He was unbelievably supportive to me. It’s great to be back with him.

“He is exactly the same man.

“The gaffer is a striker and he understands us. He gives the forwards a lot of advice.

“We all know he was a great player and knows where we have to improve.”

Rome-born Macheda, still only 22-years-old, joined United from Lazio’s junior teams seven years ago, but was not able to live up to huge expectations after exploding onto the Ole Trafford scene when he came off the bench to score winning goals against Aston Villa and Sunderland in his first two appearances for the Red Devils.

But he failed to force himself into the starting line-up and has spent a lot of the last few seasons out on loan, scoring 10 goals for Championship club Birmingham City in 18 appearances last season.

Macheda had signed for Cardiff, committing to the Bluebirds until 2017, and says: “I had a good spell with Birmingham and Cardiff is a new chapter in my career.

“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was one of the main reasons I came to this club He played a big part of my decision.”

Macheda has already scored twice for the Bluebirds, netting at Carmarthen Town in a 3-0 win and against TSV 1860 Munchen at the SVK Stadium in Austria.

“I have been working a lot on my finishing and, of course, I want to score in every match,” he said.

“That may not be possible, but I will do my best, It’s always good to score.

“This is an attacking team at Cardiff City and we all want to do well together.

“We have lots of players who can create chances, midfield players and wide men who can bring out the best in strikers.

“Competition is everywhere in our squad.

“It was extremely hard in the heat against Munchen.

“It was too hot and we found it hard, but it was good for us and will help us with fitness.

“It’s been a good pre-season so far and we are all on course to be absolutely ready for that first match against Blackburn next month.

“Personally, I feel good. I am confident I can do well for Cardiff City.”

I'm more excited by Macheda signing than anyone else so far this window. I think he will get 20+ goals

I'm more excited by Macheda signing than anyone else so far this window. I think he will get 20+ goals

I also think he could be a reg in ole's side this season but maybe 10-15 goals

20/1 odds for top championship scorer

20/1 odds for top championship scorer

£5 going on that nubs

I thought he was looking way more motivated than I've seen him before, I have no doubt Macheda is about to have his best season yet.

Who will be considered the best player in two seasons time, Macheda Or Campbell ???

Who will be considered the best player in two seasons time, Macheda Or Campbell ???

Macheda I think ...

I'd love to see him and Campbell up front. He'd really benefit from Campbell's movement and energy

I'd love to see him and Campbell up front. He'd really benefit from Campbell's movement and energy

No use crying over spilt milk. Got a good feeling about strikers this year. Doubt campell will be missed. Looking at Leicester forum they think he will be a squad player and they don't even want him there after his outrageous wage demands. Why would a back up striker be the best payed member of the squad? Gotta say they have a point.

Macheda is 40/1 at Corals for Championship top scorer.

Macheda is 40/1 at Corals for Championship top scorer.

Might be worth a few quid

honestly think he will 20 this season

Just put a £10 on Macheda at 41/1. with Corals.

Just put a £10 on Macheda at 41/1. with Corals.

Cheers for the odds.

Just put a £10 on Macheda at 41/1. with Corals.

Cheers for the odds.

Great odds. £10 ew I think