Behind the scenes at Manchester United, they knew some time ago that Mason Greenwood was heading for greatness. And now the rest of us are seeing what all the fuss was about.
He may only be 18, but the forward has seized his chance to impress under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. So much in fact that he is already seen as part of United’s strongest starting XI.
It is no coincidence that Greenwood started against Sheffield United and Brighton and Solskjaer’s men ran out 3-0 winners on both occasions.
The teenager is excelling on the right of a wonderful front three and now has 13 goals in all competitions this season. But that has not stopped suggestions that United will try to bring Jadon Sancho to Old Trafford.
According to Sky Sports, United want Sancho but will only bid £50million for the youngster.
At first glance, United no longer need the England international. In fact, Greenwood could be everything Sancho is and more. After all, in time the latter is expected to be a prolific out-and-out striker. But there is another option.
Versatility key to success
Greenwood is two-footed, fast, hard-working and deadly in front of goal. In many ways, he is the closest thing United have had to Cristiano Ronaldo since the man himself.
He is also incredibly versatile, which means he could fill in for any of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial or Sancho (if the latter arrives).
For many United fans, the dream scenario is a front three of Martial and the two England internationals. It would be a trio to strike fear into Europe’s best defences.
Yet they would not be able to operate effectively twice a week, in four competitions. Especially given the likelihood of a rush towards next season after the delays in the current one.
While some fear Sancho’s arrival would push Greenwood back into the shadows, there is an alternative option. The teenager could get plenty of game-time in three different positions.
Not many players can operate as effectively as Greenwood across the forward line. But then not many players are as good as the United sensation.
If Sancho arrives at United, it may be less of a dream trio and more a case of a game-changing quartet.
- Diogo Dalot names ex-Man Utd teammate whose ‘influence’ altered his entire career more so than Bruno Fernandes
- Why Glazer unrest won’t force Man Utd exit
- Carlos Baleba transfer dynamics have just been altered for Man Utd, Ineos could be forced into action
- Official filing reveals Glazers could trigger clause to force Sir Jim Ratcliffe into full Man United sale
- How much Man Utd will actually earn from £263m Fifa programme because of 13 World Cup stars
- What separates Kobbie Mainoo from six England stars that Thomas Tuchel called up for World Cup squad
- Glazers selling Man Utd shares can be celebrated, but previous sale to Ineos already sets way forward
- What Michael Carrick will have learned from Patrick Dorgu’s latest game as Denmark’s winger vs Congo
- Squad numbers for all 13 of Manchester United’s World Cup stars
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
