Manchester United opened the campaign in scintillating style, demolishing cross-county rivals Leeds United 5-1. Despite the early goalscoring form, United stuttered in their second Premier League game against Southampton, coming from behind to draw 1-1.
In both games, 19-year-old Mason Greenwood started and scored. In the first game, he played down the middle and in the second on the left. The Red Devils are likely to look to him to be the focal point as Edinson Cavani remains out, and here’s why he can step up to the plate.
At 19, Greenwood has made it through the United academy, broke into the first team and became one of the current crop’s golden boys. Since his breakthrough in 2018 Greenwood has netted 19 Premier League goals and 31 goals in all competitions. His league goal record of 19, is the fourth-highest for a teenager in Premier League history.
Despite falling down the pecking order at Manchester United
Despite falling down the pecking order in the COVID hit 2020/21 campaign, the Bradford born forward has come back into the foray at the start of this season.
United have filled the wide area Greenwood has been most used in, with England International Jadon Sancho coming in, leaving the youngster more likely to fill in up top. With Cavani out and Anthony Martial’s continued poor form, United need a man up top.
Greenwood brings extreme pace, strong finishing, and the ability to create space for others, allowing players like talisman Bruno Fernandes to flourish.
In the first two games, Greenwood completed four dribbles and only shot four times to get his two goals so far.
Not the result we wanted, but happy to score and have the away fans back ❤️ #MG11 pic.twitter.com/NbQWzj9VPH
— Mason Greenwood (@masongreenwood) August 22, 2021
Greenwood’s ability is second to none
Greenwood’s ability to beat his man and get into space, make him perfect for through balls from the likes of Fernandes and Paul Pogba, who showed his passing range against Leeds.
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His ability to pull wide, creating space, allows Fernandes and others to get into the box, and his experience as a wide man, lets him set them up too. But it’s his two-footed, speedy finishing that can help him really excel.
The forward loves to get the ball out quick and find the bottom corner, perfect for the through balls this United team plays.
Where Greenwood lacks, is his ability to hold off players and create his own chances, but at 19, his strength will only grow.
Right now, the youngster could be just what the Red Devils need, and with his skill set, he could turn out to be their main man in 2021/22 for them.