Manchester United’s defeat to Crystal Palace was a shocker. It was a miserable afternoon, derailing a previously solid start to the season.
This was a performance just like the dross served up last season.
We have been looking, trying to find a positive to cling onto, and we might have one.
It comes from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s comment after the game, discussing Mason Greenwood.
Quoted by the MEN, Solskjaer pledged more opportunities for the 17-year-old.
He said: “We felt Mason had to come on and create something and we’ll see more of Mason.”
The situation
Greenwood came on as a substitute for the ineffective Jesse Lingard in the 55th minute, prompting a switch around in attack.
The problem was Greenwood failed to do much himself – making only 11 touches in 35 minutes.
What it did do, was move Dan James back to the left, which improved his game, and led to United’s equaliser.
Greenwood is a bit of a square peg out on the wing, and really needs chances up front to really flourish.
Just getting him on the pitch is a start though, and Solskjaer’s comments indicate he is in line for more chances.
Anthony Martial picked up an injury late on which United state is due to be assessed.
If he does miss next week’s game with Southampton, Greenwood could step in.
It’s good to see Solskjaer backing him for more game time despite this one not working out positively.
Needed
Greenwood is only 17 and looks like an elite talent, even though it didn’t happen for him on Saturday.
The fact United feel the need to turn to him to ‘create something’ says a lot about the state of the club’s attacking options.
Lingard was poor again, although he received backing from Solskjaer.
He told The MEN: “We stick together and Jesse’s not scored any goals in the last three games, no, but he’s been a big part of our team and will continue being an important part.”
These comments have already had some backlash on social media, but Solskjaer was hardly going to say different.
It’s his actions which need to speak at this point, and alternatives to Lingard need to be found, considering his poor form.
Greenwood is one of those, and despite his lack of impact, Solskjaer’s pledge that we will see more of him is a good sign.
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