Mason Greenwood returned for Manchester United with a lively cameo performance from the bench against Istanbul Basaksehir.
The young forward played for the final half an hour as United made changes at 3-0 up.
Greenwood caused problems for Basaksehir. His decision making and execution let him down on a couple of occasions.
He seemed desperate to score and make up for lost time, which was a bit understandable. A couple of times he shot, when he had teammates in better positions. That’s also a selfish streak which all good strikers need, if harnessed correctly.
Greenwood made the right decision in injury time when after an impressive solo run he played in Dan James, who scored United’s fourth.
Ending the night with his second assist of the season was not a bad way for the teenager to sign off.
He now has one goal and one assist in three Champions League appearances, of which just one was a start.
Pundits left impressed
Greenwood’s performance sparked some praise from BT Sport’s punditry team made up of three former United players.
Rio Ferdinand said: “He’s growing as well. He’s going to be a beast. To go with the spatial awareness, understanding of the game, his technique, he has got both feet and is a devastating finisher.
Owen Hargreaves added: “I think he’s an amazing player.
Paul Scholes said: “Physically he looks stronger than the last time we’ve seen him. He’s a big strong powerful lad and he’s only going to get stronger. I think out of the three or four forwards they have, he is the best finisher.”
So much more to come
There was a good case to start Greenwood in this game but Solskjaer chose not to rush him.
He has two goals this season already despite very limited game time and it is only a matter of time before he starts netting regularly.
The assist will be a nice little confidence boost and help him settle down a bit.
With important games upcoming against Southampton and PSG in the next week, it will be positive to see Greenwood more involved.
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