GREENWOOD’S THE
Mason bags a record as he puts City title on hold
THEY made Pep Guardiola put the champagne back in the fridge.
Manchester United are being driven by sheer pride and, of course, Mason Greenwood.
Trailing at half-time, United were in danger of handing the title to champions-elect Manchester City.
But the second-half turnaround was nothing short of remarkable and 19-year-old Greenwood wrote his name into the United record books with a precious piece of history, which might also make him a late shout for England’s Euros squad.
Greenwood made it 16 goals for United in the Premier League, the most by any teenager for the club – overtaking Wayne Rooney’s tally of 15.
Incredibly, it was United’s 10th win from a losing position this season.The comeback kings have now not lost at Villa Park in 22 visits, since the opening day of the 1995-96 campaign and Alan Hansen’s infamous “you can’t win anything with kids” remark.
That season, United went on to win the title, which has long since been out of their grasp this year. But they are making one hell of a last stand to make City boss Guardiola wait.
And if they win their four remaining games, they will finish with 82 points, which would be their highest tally since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
Of course it is not enough for United and their ambition to be top dogs again, but if they can address a few obvious failings in the squad they will surely be a lot closer next season.
Especially if they can build around the likes of Greenwood, strengthen in some key areas and show more consistency and defensive solidity to match the attacking flair.
United were not at their best in the first half and went behind after 24 minutes. Scott McTominay and Fred dithered before Victor Lindelof allowed himself to be bullied by Bertrand Traore, who then fired an unstoppable cross-shot into the top corner.
But United came out a different team for the second half. Paul Pogba used his strength to hold off Douglas Luiz, who pushed the United midfielder and conceded a penalty.
Up stepped Bruno Fernandes to send Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez the wrong way and score his 27th goal in all competitions this season after 52 minutes.
Four minutes later, the game was turned on its head. Aaron Wan-Bissaka played the ball into Greenwood’s feet, the United forward fooled Villa defender Tyrone Mings with a sublime turn and then arrowed a 20-yard shot into the bottom corner.
United got a third after 87 minutes. Marcus Rashford’s teasing cross from the right found Edinson Cavani racing in and the United striker glanced in.
It got even worse for Villa in the last minute. Ollie Watkins, who had been booked in the first half, took a tumble under Dean Henderson’s challenge and referee Chris Kavanagh sent him off with a second yellow card for simulation. It seemed incredibly harsh as he did not even appeal for a foul.