What were you doing at the age of 18? Do you remember? Well, for Mason Greenwood, at his age, he scores superb goals for United. He is the “killer in the box,” “A natural finisher,” “A constant threat.”
On Thursday, Greenwood wrote another chapter in his fledgling career. At 18 years, the striker became the youngest Manchester United player to score twice in Europe in the 4-0 win over Az Alkmaar.
The young superstar looks set to be the next big thing to have come out of the framed Manchester United academy.
Greenwood stood out so much as a youngster, Solskjaer took a shine to him 11 years ago.
“I do remember when I met him for the first time. My son was training at the Cliff as an eight-year-old. Mason was seven.” Said Solskjaer
“The first time I saw him he stood out and I took a picture with him. He is now here. It’s just what we do.”
“I asked him for the picture because I knew he was going to be a player. He has probably got it, or his dada has probably got it.”
How good can Greenwood be? Let’s hear it from inside Man Utd
Eyebrows were raised when Solskjaer sanctioned the departures of Sanchez and Lukaku in the summer. Rather than bringing in a big-money replacement, he instead put his faith in Greenwood.
Solskjaer’s decision now appears to be vindicated. Greenwood has already scored more goals than Sanchez did during his time at Old Trafford.
“We knew we had a top talent.” Said Solskjaer.
“For me, developing talents like this, there is no better place than to be here.”
On Greenwood’s goals on Thursday, Solskjaer added, “That is what he does. He will do it in training. It is just natural for him. The closer he gets to the goal, the more dangerous he is. He is a nightmare for defenders.”
Juan Mata, on the other hand, is not surprised to see the youngster flourishing on the big stage.
He says, “Every time he plays, he scores. In training, he might not touch the ball a lot but he is a finisher and a killer in the box. He is a nice kid and I’m very happy for him.”
What the ex-players say
Owen Hargreaves, former United midfielder has no doubt Greenwood is ready for the cut and thrust of top-level football despite his age.
“The goals he scores, I don’t know what it is but he hits the ball so cleanly. I love watching him finish because he makes it easy. A natural.”
“He has the perfect role model in Marcus Rashford. For his age, I think he is an incredible natural finisher. He will be a star. No question.”
Ex-United striker, Michael Owen says Greenwood has the potential to be a top player for many years.
“You look for ability when they are young. But now, it’s all about the mental attitude.” Said, Owen
“He has grown into his frame; he won’t get much quicker now so it’s all about what is going on between the ears.”
“As long as he keeps going on his path and at the right club that has nurtured so many youngsters, you would think all is in place. There is no question he will be a top player for a long time.”