The 19/20 season will be always be remembered as the breakthrough campaign for Mason Greenwood.
At just 18-years-of-age, the teenager has established himself as a key starter in the senior squad, registering seventeen goals across all competitions. Greenwood has always been regarded as a special talent within the club’s training complex, coming through the ranks and prolifically getting on the scoresheet at both U18 and U23 level.
The integration into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad has been a smooth one, with plenty of plaudits coming the youngster’s way. Andy Cole has been one of the latest pundits to dish out such praise, with the former United striker singing Greenwood’s praises.
Speaking to the PA news agency (via The Independent), he said: “Mason is scary, absolutely scary. If this kid lives up to his potential, United have one on their hands. It’s scary and long may it continue. He needs to keep doing what he’s doing, scoring goals and putting pressure on those up front, and as he matures and learns the game even more United have a player who could be anything.”
In Solskjaer’s fluid front three, the teenager has predominantly been utilised as a right inside-forward. Operating down that channel, the Englishman has become a dangerous attacking outlet, coming inside and getting into goalscoring positions.
Embed from Getty ImagesA versatile figure, Greenwood can also be deployed through the middle. The 18-year-old holds experience in this role from the academy level, and Cole claims that it will be ‘interesting’ to see where the club think his best position is.
Given the youngster’s high potential though, the club legend has called for United to be wary about blocking Greenwood’s development: “If they do bring in Sancho then you’ve got to be careful as you don’t want to block his progress,” Cole said. “United do need to bring in players as you must improve every season but it’s a fine balance. If you have a player like Mason Greenwood then you can’t afford to block their progress.”
Solskjaer is in need of squad options though and adding competition to the frontline should only create friendly rivalry amongst the attacking figures. Such players should relish this challenge, and it could spur Greenwood on to elevate his game even further.
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