Mason Greenwood has started the campaign in electric fashion, though one pundit is concerned about his development now that Cristiano Ronaldo has returned.
Manchester United have unearthed a gem in Mason Greenwood. The Englishman has scored three in three, including netting the match-winner last time out.
There’s no doubt that Greenwood having the summer off, allowing him to focus solely on improving his game, has helped both player and club endlessly. Now, the 19-year-old is looking like one of the biggest talents in world football.
Greenwood was chosen to be left out of the latest England squad which again is a benefit for the Old Trafford club. However, people are starting to take notice of his insane ability.
Danny Murphy has heaped the praise on the United starlet, though the ex-Premier League star has also admitted ‘concern’ for Greenwood, following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo…
Check out what Murphy had to say here:
‘He’s 19, what he’s got is the natural knack to finish. He scores goals effortlessly with both feat, in fact I can’t remember a forward being so effortlessly with both feat since Robbie Fowler. He was comfortable either way and Greenwood looks comfortable on his right foot,’ he told TalkSPORT.
‘My concern for him is the signing of Ronaldo, I don’t want to put a downer on it as I can’t wait to see one of the best players play in the Premier League and its going to be fascinating how he fits into the team and how he builds relationships with [Bruno] Fernandes and [Jadon] Sancho.
‘But I think, although Greenwood has played and scored goals on the right, I think he’s a centre forward and with Cavani still there, getting the minutes to evolve in the role as a nine Is going to be limited for him. He’s got that lovely variation to his game, he’s a good passer of the ball but he doesn’t mind running in behind. He hasn’t got the pace of Mbappe but he’s more of a natural finisher.
‘I think Greenwood, although we may have to wait a little longer due to Ronaldo’s signing, could go on to be an absolute legend for United. Ronaldo is going to delay his progression.’
Look, I absolutely get where Murphy is coming from. On the face of it, someone is going to miss out following Ronaldo’s arrival. That’s just the way football works at the highest level.
Ronaldo, when fit, will start as United’s main striker, though Greenwood in this form is undroppable so the 19-year-old will get more than his fair share of minutes. Let’s not forget he was equally brilliant from off the wing last season and that will not change.
Factor in football being a squad game more than ever. Greenwood will be needed week-in-week-out to start matches, be it in the Premier League, Champions League or the domestic cup competitions. This is someone who could easily go toe-to-toe on the goal front with Ronaldo – and I don’t say that lightly.
If anything, Ronaldo being added to the United squad will only help Greenwood. He’s learning from the Greatest of All Time and he’ll continue to do so over the next two seasons – at which point, Greenwood will still only be 21 with the footballing world at his feet.
Whichever way you dress this up, this is a win-win for both Greenwood and the club as a whole…
Will Ronaldo hamper the development of Greenwood? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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