Mason Greenwood: How Good Can He Become?




By: Babajide Adewunmi


One beautiful thing about making decisions is that it leads one to two results; either one regrets or applauds oneself for taking such decision.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer came under heavy criticisms after the departure of Alexis Sánchez and Romelu Lukaku from Old Trafford; his criticism was mainly about how his two most experienced attackers were sold without better or capable replacements.

But fast forward to this period, Ole's decision and trust in his young attackers seems have taken time to materialise with Mason Greenwood having already scored more goals than Alexis Sánchez during his time at Old Trafford.



Mason Greenwood has impressed in the United first team this season. (AP)


Mason Greenwood, who to a bearable level has played a huge role in the United team this season, has made Ole look less worried about the void of having a reliable and responsible Player upfront.

The 18-year-old and 72 days striker became the youngest Player to have scored twice for United in Europe during the Europa league last Thursday. Breaking Marcus Rashford's record of 18 years and 117 days. Moreso, his two goals that night were his fifth and sixth goals for the club as a senior Player.

His latest bang came on Sunday when he was brought on in the second half on a frustrating afternoon which United were trailing by a goal to nothing at home to Everton.

After Victor Lindelof's own goal, the young English striker wrote another chapter in his fledgling career by rewarding his manager's faith with a goal that salvaged the game for United after such a long afternoon.

Offering natural finishing ability with both feet, he adds an X-factor to United's attack. His recent fine performances have led to calls to replace Anthony Martial in the starting line-up, such is his impact on United's fanbase.



18-year-old Greenwood is a shinning light in United's abysmal season. (Getty Images)


Had he completed a hat-trick against AZ Alkmaar, he would have done it at a younger age than Wayne Rooney was when he scored his debut treble against Fenerbahçe in 2004.

The full value may not be seen this season but, in patches, Greenwood has proved the value of his natural goal-scoring, as well as his manager's trust in him when he validated the release of Sánchez and Lukaku to Inter Milan

Now can the young attacker maintain the early standards he has set himself? That firmly depends on how he is eased into the thick and thin of men's football.

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