Federico Macheda agrees with Erik ten Hag on “wrong” Manchester United transfer

Former Manchester United striker Federico Macheda has agreed with Erik ten Hag on one transfer he described as “wrong”.

Federico Macheda is best known for his incredible strike against Aston Villa, helping Manchester United win the Premier League title in the 2008/09 season.

Despite that incredible start to his first-team career at Old Trafford, the Italian forward never managed to forge a consistent place in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

He ultimately left in 2014 to join Cardiff City after a series of loan moves in the years prior. The 33-year-old currently plays for Greek club Asteras Tripolis.

Macheda joined the Academy when he moved to United in 2007 and has shared his opinion on the latest youth player to depart the club.

Scott McTominay joined Napoli in the summer for around £25 million and has had a brilliant start to life in the Serie A.

“I’ve known Scott since he was 12. United were wrong to let him go,” claimed Macheda when speaking to Radio Serie A this week.

“He came through the youth ranks to the first team and is a great player.”

This echoes the opinions of current under-fire manager Erik ten Hag, who is facing pressure after a poor start to the 2024/25 campaign.

Ten Hag claimed that he had mixed feelings about the move as he did not want to lose McTominay but understood the financial benefits of selling homegrown players.

“I’m very happy for him and for us, but it’s mixed [feelings] because I would have preferred not to lose him,” the Dutchman said in August. “He has Manchester United in his veins.

“He was so important for our team, he was at Manchester United for over 22 years. But unfortunately, it’s the rules.

“You have to discuss the rules to do sales, and obviously homegrown players, academy players, bring more value.

“It’s not the right thing to do, but for everyone, for all parts, it’s a good deal. For Scott, he is happy with it. Of course, for Napoli, a very good player, but also for us.”

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