Former Manchester United striker Federico Macheda has backed the club's pursuit of Matteo Darmian to shine at Old Trafford.

United is expected to complete the signing of Torino full-back Darmian in the next 24 hours for a reported fee of £12.9million.

Cardiff City striker Macheda, who is the last Italian to have played for the Red Devils, believes his fellow countryman has the temperament to quickly settle at a club like United.

"Matteo must certainly expect great things when joining a world-class club," he said.

"I wish him all the best and feel he is ready for this adventure.

"Wearing the Red Devils jersey is certainly a big responsibility, because you feel this scary weight of history on your shoulders and realise that every time you pull the shirt on.

"Darmian has character and if he finds consistency then I am sure he'll settle in very well.

"English football is much more physical and in his role it's important to push forward as well as defend, but his characteristics already suit that."

Macheda joined Cardiff from United on a free transfer in 2014.