Mason Greenwood is ready to become a star this season - 7M sport

Mason Greenwood is ready to become a star this season



Posted Tuesday, August 17, 2021 by Marca.com

Mason Greenwood is ready to become a star this season

Manchester United got their 2021/22 season off to an excellent start after beating Leeds United 5-1 at Old Trafford in their opening Premier League fixture, and it was a game that saw Mason Greenwood give the Red Devils the lead for the second time in the match - an advantage they then added to before the final whistle.

Luke Ayling's wonderful strike in the 49th minute made it 1-1 and sent the Leeds fans into a state of frenzy, but just three minutes later Greenwood equalised. The 19-year-old ran on to Paul Pogba's pass before using his speed to get away from Pascal Struijk and firing a left-footed shot past Illan Meslier.

Greenwood has received praise from many teammates at Manchester United and ex-pros on TV for his finishing ability, which was on show with his goal against Leeds. Playing as the No.9 in the absence of Edinson Cavani, he was able to lead the line with Pogba playing as an inside left winger and Daniel James on the right wing.

His movement caused all sorts of problems for Struijk and Liam Cooper, and the prospect of Greenwood lining up in attack with Jadon Sancho on one side and Marcus Rashford on the other is a mouth-watering prospect for both United and England fans.

Greenwood is back on track

It is easy to forget that less than one year ago, in September 2020, Greenwood - who was just 18 at the time - was embroiled in a media scandal whilst away on England duty, as he and Phil Foden ignored COVID-19 protocols by trying to sneak four girls back to England's hotel in Iceland. They were immediately sent home by manager Gareth Southgate, just days after making their Three Lions debuts.

Greenwood's form took a dip after this as he became one of the most discussed individuals in England, with the narrative around the young forward changing overnight, yet Manchester United - and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - put their arm around him.

He ended up recording just one goal and one assist in his first 23 Premier League matches in the 2020/21 campaign, following his breakout season where he scored 10 goals and provided one assist in 31 appearances in England's top flight, but he responded in the final weeks of the season with six goals and one assist in his last eight games.

Now, the hope will be that Greenwood can carry that on and become the star that so many at Manchester United and around England think he will be.

Speaking after the Leeds game, Solskjaer was full of praise for Greenwood.

"I think you can see how much work he has put down in his pre-season, in his summer. He has turned into a man," said Solskjaer.

"He is filling out, he is stronger. His stride is stronger and you know when he ran away from the defender and scored his goal, it was a joy to see.

"His approach, attitude and application, everything he has done every day has been getting better and better and I think that's maturity as well in the kid."

Still just 19, this season could see Greenwood become one of the most talked about names on the continent - for all the right reasons.



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