Marcus Rashford has shone for Manchester United in the last three games

Teenage striker Marcus Rashford has been told he must keep working hard, ignore the hype surrounding him and have a little luck to succeed in the long term at Manchester United.

According to former United prodigy Federico Macheda, Rashford needs to capitalise on his sensational start in the first team at Old Trafford, where he has netted doubles against Midtjylland and Arsenal in his first two senior appearances.

The 18-year-old was only given an opportunity after Anthony Martial was injured in the warm-up for the Midtjylland match but now looks set to be given an extended chance by Louis van Gaal.

Marcus Rashford has been told he must not 'grow a big head' by former Red Devils striker Federico Macheda

Rashford (left) has scored four goals in three games - including this header against Arsenal on February 28

Macheda - who, as a 17-year-old in 2009, scored in his first two United appearances but then struggled to oust the big-name players in the squad at the time - has urged Rashford to seize his chance.

The forward, now at Cardiff, told the Sun: 'Marcus needs to continue working hard, don't grow a big head, don't read or listen to all the hype and be lucky with injuries.

'The kid has got a great chance to play more than I had, so he must stay as calm and hungry as he is now.

'United will look after him - so everything is stacked in his favour.'

Macheda (left) burst on to the scene at United as a 17-year-old with this strike against Aston Villa in 2009

The Italian (centre) is now at Cardiff City after having failed to build upon his early promise at Old Trafford