Solskjaer gives verdict on Mason Greenwood’s performance

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We called earlier this week for Mason Greenwood to get a chance as a striker against Real Sociedad.

Injuries to Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial opened up an opportunity.

Greenwood got his chance and while he will be disappointed not to have scored once again, he played a his part in United’s 4-0 ‘away’ win.

The 19-year-old had two shots at goal, although did not test the ‘keeper during his 82 minutes on the pitch.

Solskjaer’s verdict

Solskjaer gave a lukewarm verdict on Greenwood’s performance. He summarised that he was happy with the teenager, yet still acknowledges that he is a couple of years away from being a perfect fit for the striker position.

The United boss tole the club website: “Today was a decision we made [to play Mason up front] because, with Marcus and Dan, we felt the spaces behind the full-backs tonight were going to be important.

“We had Mason in the middle, dropping off and getting on the ball, and he’ll keep playing sometimes up front and sometimes wide.

“We’ll find his position later on but we probably need a year or two before he’s a full-grown number nine.”

Next chance?

Greenwood will hope for an opportunity again in the second leg. Sociedad’s defending was terrible, leaving plenty of space for United to exploit.

Whether he plays will depend on if United are planning to start him days later against Chelsea.

United have the luxury of naming an experimental line up in that match and Amad Diallo could be among the starters.

Greenwood would love to add to his tally of four goals and four assists this season, but hopefully he won’t have to wait until next week; he may get an opportunity at home to Newcastle United this weekend.

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