Solskjaer says Greenwood can also play as a number ten

Add as preferred source on Google

The big story at Manchester United this week has been the contract extension signed by Mason Greenwood.

Starlet Greenwood joined his manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s match with Real Sociedad.

Greenwood played most often as a striker in youth football but has largely operated on the right for the senior side.

He was asked where he feels his best position is but was reluctant to name one – stating he can play across the front three.

“I don’t mind [where I play],” said Greenwood at the briefing which was streamed at 1pm on United’s official app. “I could play anywhere across the front three. I can play on the right, up front and even sometimes on the left.

“For me, it’s just about adapting into any position I go in. If it’s up front or on the right, I don’t really mind, really. I’ll take it as they come.”

Solskjaer was asked where he sees Greenwood’s best role and suggested he’s thinking of playing him in the number ten position.

“Mason was a bit shy there because he can play number ten as well – as a shadow striker. He can play right, centre forward, ten and, at a stretch, on the left. We just have to give him time to find his final position.

“He’s a forward who moves really well along the line. Physically, sometimes you don’t want to be right up in the mix and in the middle with the big brutal centre-backs next to you. We’ve found that he can play both really.”

According to Transfermarkt, Greenwood has only played as a number ten twice in his senior United career.

The only time in the league was off the bench for 24 minutes in October 2019 when United lost 1-0 at Newcastle.

Solskjaer started him in the hole in a 1-0 FA Cup win over Newcastle in January 2020.

So the number ten is a role he hasn’t played in for over a year now – but Solskjaer’s comments suggest he might be thinking about using him there again.

Bruno Fernandes’s presence in that position means Greenwood is unlikely to play there on a regular basis for United – but it’s obviously something Solskjaer is considering as an option from time to time.

• Man Utd have a sneaky breakout contender in brilliant wonderkid after Wrexham game, he’s unique
• Donald Trump will be at World Cup final, but US president’s Man Utd ‘connection’ is deeper than some might think
• Analysing how Marcus Rashford performed in England’s 6-4 win over France
• Lisandro Martinez has never taken penalty in his whole career, but this is what he could do in World Cup final
• Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have once again been vindicated with major Man Utd call, despite Wrexham defeat
• 14 things I liked and disliked from Man Utd vs Wrexham pre-season opener
• Andrey Santos delivered exactly what Michael Carrick could have hoped for in Man Utd against Wrexham
• One Man Utd youngster has just cemented himself in Michael Carrick’s first-team plans for next season
• Four biggest winners from Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat against Wrexham