Mason Greenwood secured himself a little piece of history on Tuesday night as his fine finish opened the scoring in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Brighton.
The Red Devils striker scored his sixth Premier League goal of the season, which is the most of any player aged 18 or under in a single season since Wayne Rooney managed it way back in 2003-04, according to Opta. Rooney did so for Everton, producing the form which earned him his move to Old Trafford where he went on to become a club legend.
As Greenwood’s impressive form continues, United fans are getting very excited that the 18 year old may go on to achieve similar things to Rooney at the club.
The teenager has now scored 13 goals in all competitions this season and his six Premier League goals have come from just six starts.
He still has some way to go to match the most prolific teenagers in Premier League history, with Michael Owen netting 46 times before his 20th birthday, but it is an encouraging start to his young career.
Greenwood has started the two Premier League games since the restart from the right flank, displacing Daniel James in that position.
Gary Neville had questioned which of the young stars was better suited to that position, but after Greenwood’s fantastic goal against the Seagulls, he believes the teenager cannot be dropped.
‘I spoke earlier in the game, why Mason Greenwood? Because of that,’ Neville told Sky Sports. ‘He can operate in tight spaces, he can receive the ball on the back foot. ‘It might look like he has someone near him, but all of a sudden, he has that one-on-one, in the box. Defenders cannot challenge him. Mason Greenwood means business! He gives Manchester United the lead in style…
‘They’re not sure if he’s going on his left and he drags it back through the legs. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a master at this – one of the best – at taking it to the one side and pulling it back through the legs of the defenders. It justifies his selection on the right-hand side. ‘It’s getting to the point now where it will be impossible to leave this lad out. He reminds me so much of Robin van Persie when he cuts in on that left foot off that right side.
‘The composure, the technique.’ United boss Solskjaer is certainly delighted with his young protege’s progress. ‘He’s getting better,’ said Solskjaer.
‘You can see clearly that he’s maturing and improving, he’s only 18 still so we will see more from him. ‘I’ve said it throughout the year that, as long as we can get him faced up in and around the box, he’ll create chances for us. ‘But in this game his hold-up play and his link-up play and general movement was fantastic as well. ‘He’s a special talent, a special kid that we are going to look after, try to develop into a top, top player. He’s doing well now, but he is still young and has things to learn. ‘He knows that but we have a special talent there we have to nurture.’
