Source: PA
Macheda keen for Rooney to stay
Federico Macheda knows he will get more chances if Wayne Rooney leaves Manchester United - but he would still prefer to have the England star at Old Trafford.
With Rooney and Michael Owen ruled out through injury, Dimitar Berbatov rested and with Javier Hernandez only playing 10 minutes in preparation for Sunday's trip to Stoke, Macheda carried the United attack against Bursaspor on Wednesday night.
At times it looked too much for the 19-year-old former Lazio academy graduate, even if Sir Alex Ferguson felt it was excellent experience.
However, with games piling up and the possibility remaining that Rooney will never pull on a red United shirt again, Macheda might have to get used to the added pressure.
It is not a responsibility he is shirking. But he would rather Rooney was around to share.
"There would be more chances for me if Wayne wasn't here but it is better to have him in the squad," said Macheda. "He is a good striker. The squad is stronger with him here."
