“A natural finisher.” “A killer in the box”. “A star in the making.”
The plaudits just keep rolling in for Mason Greenwood, and rightly so, as the academy graduate became the youngest player (18 years, 72 days) to score twice in a European competition, as Manchester United blitzed to a 4-0 win over AZ Alkmaar to finish top of their group in the Europa League.
It was Greenwood’s fifth and sixth goals in what is becoming a breakout season after his rapid progression in the youth setup. Both his goals against AZ certainly warrants the plaudits coming his way, two finishes you’d rarely see in an 18 year old, but Greenwood is no ordinary 18-year-old footballer. He is indeed a very special talent.
While its appropriate to get excited around the talents of Mason Greenwood, its also just as important to note that the player is still only young and requires the room and freedom to grow, make mistakes and discover the depths of his talents at his own pace. In a age where social media is prevalent and dominating the current era of youngsters, its easy for players like Greenwood to become engrossed in their own hype.
Ex-Manchester United striker Michael Owen, a player who, while enjoying a fruitful career, arguably became a victim of the pressures placed on him for much of his career, declared Greenwood has the potential to be a top player – as long as he doesn’t let his rapid development get to his head.
“You look for the ability when they are really young but now its all about the mental attitude.
He has grown into this frame, he won’t get much quicker now so its all about what’s going on between the ears. As long as he keeps going on this path at the right club that have 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.”
Mason Greenwood has certainly enjoyed a promising start to his Manchester United career. Becoming the clubs youngest Premier League starter just 17 years and 223 days back in May, his goal against Astana at Old Trafford at the start of the campaign made him the youngster scorer in Europe and also the first player born in the 21st century to register a goal in the famous red shirt of Manchester United.
This is a player born for the big occasion. When Solskjaer declared him one of the best finishers he’d ever seen during pre-season, certain eyebrows were raised at such a statement. The sale of both Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez in the summer was sure to cause a stir amongst the United faithful especially because of the lack of firepower upfront in their absence. Certainly, United have suffered at times because of it but in recent weeks, Solskjaer’s bravery has been justified.
Marcus Rashford is in the form of his career so far, Anthony Martial is revelling in his partnership with the England international and Greenwood is enjoying a breakthrough season. There is a fresh impetus at Old Trafford. 25 goals between the trio in all competitions this season is certainly a figure to celebrate at this stage. Considering the amount of injuries that’s plagued United so far, it certainly could have been more. It is something for Solskjaer to build on, especially within the qualities of young Mason Greenwood.
This is a player with incredible finesse.
The way he moves, the way he shoots and the bravery at which he performs is scary for a player who is just 18. There is no doubting the impact he has made on the squad already, his introduction in the 3-3 draw with Sheffield United last month is a fine example of the kind of impact he brings to the team. The incredible fightback to bring United into the lead at 3-2 was all down to the spark that Mason Greenwood was able to provide, scoring the second which showcased his goal-poaching instincts.
Against AZ, Greenwood was again the reason for United’s 11 minute spell of total football in the second-half, becoming the centre of just about every attack. Scoring two goals, winning a foul which led to the penalty and making a contribution in the first goal. While most young players have shirked at the responsibility of gracing themselves under the famous Old Trafford lights, Greenwood never buckled under the pressure. His assist that never was for Anthony Martial was sumptuous, taking on his marker with such skill and pzazz, bamboozling him with some fine step-overs before setting up Martial. That’s what the Old Trafford fans pay their hard-earned money to see. Greenwood certainly has it in him to lift fans off their seats.
It’s performances like against AZ, that draws comparisons to popular icons such as Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie, and you can certainly see the similarities to the Dutch legend in the way Greenwood moves and shoots. While the comparisons are all well and good, it is vital to allow Greenwood the time and opportunity to become his own kind of player. There’s no shortage of former talents becoming a victim of their own hype at Old Trafford in the past. Federico Macheda is one example. However, Greenwood is a different calibre of player. We’ve all experienced the kind of pressure young English talents face in the past, it is one only Greenwood has the power to overcome.
While the hype and excitement around Mason Greenwood is warranted, it is evidently clear he requires the room to discover his incredible potential.
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