Manchester United striker Kiko Macheda has recalled when he was turned away from a casino as a 17 year-old.

Macheda was soon getting his knuckles rapped by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"We went there with some friends and they just explained to me that I wasn't 18 and that I had to go home," he told the Daily Mail. "Then, a few days later, the manager told me I was never to go and that I wasn't allowed. He had spoken to the people there before I went as he didn't want me in the place. They were ready for me!

"He sees everything, the manager. But it's nice to hear that he prays for me. I just hope now that his prayers are answered."