Mason Greenwood can prove he does not need Edinson Cavani this weekend
Mason Greenwood got his season off to a flier at the weekend with a fantastic goal in the 5-1 win over Leeds.
Greenwood will get the chance to lead the line again for Manchester United away at Southampton, and it is a big test for him.
Last season Greenwood was given the chance to start up front for United at St Mary’s, and put in a disappointing display.
Greenwood was hooked at half-time with United 1-0 down after missing two first half chances, with one saved by the goalkeeper, and the other wide of the target from an angle after going clear.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had seen enough and brought on Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan scored two memorable headers to win the game for United, so the substitution clearly worked.
Can Greenwood get the job done this time?
It is unclear if Edinson Cavani will be ruled fit enough to make the bench this weekend. Having only just returned to the UK, Cavani will have to prove his fitness to make the matchday squad.
Just having him there could give United a psychological advantage over Southampton, with Cavani scoring home and away against the Saints last season.
But whether Cavani is on the bench or not, United will have an alternative, with Anthony Martial. The Frenchman scored one goal and provided an assist in the friendly match with Burnley in midweek and is raring to make an impact after a knee injury.
So this is a great test for Greenwood to show he can get the job done and win the game by himself, at a ground where he failed to do so last season.
You could argue the teenager has nothing to prove after his impressive display against Leeds, but at Manchester United, there is always another challenge ahead, nobody can rest up.
A strong performance in this match with a goal or two will neatly illustrate Greenwood’s progression, and how he has sharpened up and grown over the past year.
With 30 goals already for United, Greenwood will be keen to start pushing to reach the 50 milestone as quickly as possible.
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