Greenwood, from kids football to Premier League
Fostering a culture where youngsters can be regulars for biggest club in world
It’s an autumnal day at Manchester United’s training complex at the back end of 2017. A scrawny kid, just turned 16, is making his first start as a striker in England’s Under 18 Premier League. Just over an hour later, Mason Greenwood completes his hat-trick, and a special talent has well and truly arrived.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer goes on to make him United’s youngest ever starter in the Premier League era and this week, Greenwood’s three brilliant goals cemented his place in one of the most exciting forward lines in the Premier League right now. Solskjaer called him “an exceptional finisher, a natural footballer who can go as far as he wants to”. Not bad for a boy who doesn’t turn 19 until October.
United have always been proud of their academy set up — and rightly so. Last December they celebrated the 4,000th consecutive game in which at least one youth graduate has been represented in the Reds’ match day squad. But it’s fascinating that their renaissance of late is underpinned by youth. Playing left-back in Greenwood’s eyecatching game as a 16-year-old was Brandon Williams. Scott McTominay has had a breakthrough season. Marcus Rashford is still only 22. Seven of the starting 11 against Villa were under 25.
Development plan
So how do you foster a culture where an 18-year-old forward can be a regular starter for the biggest club in the world? Neil Wood, United’s U18s manager, says it has to come right from the very top.
“Ole has spoken a lot about his intention to play young players should they be worthy of an opportunity, and Mason and Brandon Williams have grabbed the chance with both hands,” he says.
“We have a dialogue and a long-term development plan for each player, but with someone like Mason, from day one Ole was talking to me about him.
“Honestly, we didn’t think he would have such an immediate impact, but he’s been fantastic. We still do development work with him every day, though, he’s still learning.”