Mason Greenwood in perfect position to become Man Utd superstar with spotlight shining on Rashford and Martial instead
MASON GREENWOOD is in the perfect position to become a superstar.
Right now there is no spotlight on Man Utd's 18-year-old ace.
That is shining on Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes and they are loving centre stage.
Paul Pogba had slid into the wings with injury, poor form and attitude as he sought a ‘new challenge’ yet even he looks interested now.
As a World Cup winner and the club’s highest paid player the attention will always be there.
Not so Greenwood right now, so the teenager can thrive.
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A few years ago at United he would have the weight of the fans hopes on his shoulders, much as Rashford had to carry after he too burst onto the scene as a teenager.
For too long the young players coming through at United have not had in form older teammates, role models, leaders, to look to and help bring them on.
Greenwood has that now. The pressure comes from within to maintain his place in the side
A place he now demands, deserves.
When manager Ole Solskjaer referred to him last year as the club’s best finisher, eyebrows were raised.
Was he in fact loading too much expectation upon him when he didn’t need it?
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If anything that praise has lifted him.
He has given him that label and now the opportunity to go out and prove why the boss was moved to say that without fear upsetting the likes of Rashford or Martial.
Because they know how good he is. Long before we had experienced his magic they were aware of what was coming through the ranks.
As it is he is a not a threat, because he can play with the pair in the right of a three behind with Rashford or Martial switching during ganmes between the number nine and wide left roles.
In the middle of them all is Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings.
What an attacking group, United have now.
Greenwood, exceptional with either foot, will mesmerise defences for years to come.
Watch his goal in the victory over Brighton.
Receiving a short pass from Aaron Wan-Bissaka he charges towards the box causing the Brighton defence to back-peddle in panic.
Knowing he can shift the ball onto his left or right side, poor Lewis Dunk’s legs didn’t know which way as they waited for his brain to make a decision.
Greenwood just needs a moment of weakness, the smallest of spaces in which to release a shot which this time buried itself into the near bottom corner.
He is not surprised when the ball finds it’s target, neither is Solskjaer who is the perfect mentor for a young striker.
That was his 13th of the season and sixth in the Premier League and last night was only his sixth League start this season.
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He is not just goals either, as he proved with that sprint downfield to deliver the perfect cross for Bruno Fernandes to finish.
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It was a quick move from back to front that would have had United fans misty-eyed about days of yore.
Days that they might just be starting to see again.