When Mason Greenwood was first promoted into the senior team at Manchester United, the manager had the intention of getting him to understudy the available forwards in the squad.
Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Daniel James, Juan Mata and later Odion Ighalo were all players Greenwood was expected to learn from – though that ha not changed.
However, the youngster is creating a new room for himself in the team with his weekly surprises – well, that is, if that even surprises anyone anymore.
An eye for goal Ruud van Nistelrooy would be proud of, a positioning and movement Robin van Persie would cherish so much – oh and I almost added a future the Netherlands would be itching to have.
The 18-year-old started the game against Tottenham Hotspur from the bench after the three months of no show. However, with the Red Devils losing prior to full time, Greenwood was introduced alongside Paul Pogba and that was the turning point of the game – although United only settled for a 1-1 draw.
Greenwood was then handed a start in the subsequent game against Sheffield United, in what looks the preferred front three for the next round of games to come until the end of the season.
But it was the game against Brighton & Hove Albion which really spoke volumes for the future that lies ahead for the youngster.
He created room for himself out of nowhere, after receiving a pass from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and struck at goal to put United in the lead after 16 minutes of play. Bruno Fernandes added a second before the half-time whistle.
What drew special attention from spectators to Greenwood’s performance was his contribution to the Portuguese’s second of the night and United’s third.
Nemanja Matic volleyed a long pass into the path of the teenager after a defensive clearance. Greenwood then carried the ball forward with just a touch, before floating it into the 18-yard-box for Bruno. The No. 18 made no mistake converting from the pinpoint pass to put the game to bed.
On Sunday, Greenwood was handed another start against Bournemouth and scored two goals to take his Premier League tally to eight in seven starts.
A goal in each half, with both coming shortly after the Cherries have scored as United won the game by a 5-2 scoreline. What made his performance so special was the fact that the youngster scored with both legs.
Operating from the right wing position, James’ place in the starting line-up looks to be under serious threat, and he would need to work a way out.
To Manchester United fans, you should really be excited because you have a “GEM” of a talent to watch for many years to come.
