A former Manchester United player was once dubbed the ‘next Cristiano Ronaldo’, but went against Sir Alex Ferguson’s advice in a move that may well have ruined his career.
Man Utd wonderkids who flopped after leaving
The Red Devils are famous for their academy, with numerous first-team stars being made in Carrington. From the Class of 92 to more recent graduates such as Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, Man Utd regularly have one of their own in a matchday squad.
Ferguson was influential to the success of many Man Utd youngsters making the grade at Old Trafford and once described how to get the best out of them.
“I always take great pride in seeing younger players develop. The job of a manager, like that of a teacher, is to inspire people to be better. Give them better technical skills, make them winners, make them better people, and they can go anywhere in life. When you give young people a chance, you not only create a longer life span for the team, you also create loyalty.
“They will always remember that you were the manager who gave them their first opportunity. Once they know you are batting for them, they will accept your way. You’re really fostering a sense of family. If you give young people your attention and an opportunity to succeed, it is amazing how much they will surprise you.”
However, some youngsters who had been tipped for greatness didn’t hit the heights at Old Trafford.
Player
Man Utd appearances
Adnan Januzaj
63
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson
14
Ravel Morrison
3
Timothy Fosu-Mensah
30
Nick Powell
9
Scott Wootton
4
Ryan Tunnicliffe
2
Tyler Blackett
12
James Wilson
20
Not every Man Utd academy graduate to make a first-team appearance has gone on to enjoy the career of a Gary Neville, David Beckham or a Ryan Giggs, with many still playing at a lower level, and perhaps none fit the flop category better than Federico Macheda.
Van Gaal flops, Ten Hag disasters: The 10 worst Man Utd players post-Fergie
Man United have had some dreadful players since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
ByRoss KilvingtonJan 24, 2025 Macheda the 'next Ronaldo' who went against Ferguson at Man Utd
There were high hopes for Macheda at Old Trafford, especially after he burst onto the scene with a late winner against Aston Villa in the Premier League in 2009.
In fact, Macheda was called ‘the next Ronaldo’ in Manchester, but that goal against Villa would be as good as it got for the Italian under Ferguson.
Now coming into the twilight years of his career, Macheda left England in 2016 and has been playing his football in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.
Federico Macheda’s career in pictures
Talking back in 2017, Macheda recalled when he decided to go against Ferguson by moving to Sampdoria on loan instead of remaining in the Premier League, something he now regrets.
“I had a few runs of games but I needed to be playing every week. Fergie wanted me to go on loan; I could see that was sensible. Many Premier League clubs came in for me including Everton and Sunderland.
“But I wanted to play in Italy, in Serie A. Fergie did not agree and said I should play in England, where he could keep an eye on me. He said he didn’t have the same power in Italy. I insisted on Italy and that was the worst mistake of my life. I should have listened to Fergie.”
In 2025, Macheda is currently playing his football in Greece with Asteras Tripolis and would make just 19 Premier League appearances in total for Man Utd, a figure which could have been more if he had listened to Ferguson.