Mason Greenwood scored a game-sealing goal as Manchester United wrapped up an impressive 3-1 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The injury time strike underlined United’s second half dominance and did not flatter United.
Greenwood had provided the assist for United’s second goal, with a pinpoint cross for Edinson Cavani to score a diving header.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke glowingly about Greenwood after the game, about the manner of his goal and assist.
Solskjaer warned opponents that this strike was a sign that forcing him onto his right foot just isn’t an efficient defensive tactic.
Greenwood is two-footed but likes to cut inside from the right to shoot with his left, but defenders have been extra cautious to try and not let him do this.
Against Spurs, Greenwood chose simply to shoot with his right foot, and found the back of the net.
This makes it tougher for defenders to expect him to cut in on his left, because he will make them pay with his right. Now when he does shift to his left foot, it will not be so predictable and he may have more success.
Solskjaer told the club website: “The cross is something we worked on and Edinson’s movement, of course he is excellent. And that goal, that shows what Mason has improved on this season.
“Normally, defenders want to show him down the right side. Okay, if you want to show him down the right, on the outside, he’s got a good right foot as well. Great goal.”
If defenders try to cover the right side, then Greenwood will have more space to execute his cut inside to his left.
He is a tricky forward to defend against and his game is improving all the time. He now has 24 career first team goals for United, plus seven assists.
United planned around Cavani
Solskjaer also explained how his team instructions were devoted to getting more out of Edinson Cavani in attack.
United have failed to do so in recent games against West Brom, Crystal Palace, and Brighton when he has started. This was a lot more successful.
The United boss said: “Edinson’s was a performance like today that we, as a club, have missed for a few years. We haven’t had that type of no. 9 for a long, long spell. We had a little meeting with the boys, this morning, and said we need to use him correctly with his movement.”
Greenwood’s assist for Cavani was a sign he had been paying attention. Paul Pogba found him for an earlier goal which was disallowed, while a pass from Fred played him in for the strike which rebounded for the Brazilian to score.
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