CHASING GREEN WOOD
Rejected by United’s academy where he played alongside Mason, Burnley star Dwight admits that teenage setback gave him the desire to become a creative force in the Premier League
MAN UNITED BURNLEY
Old Trafford: Tomorrow, 4pm
DWIGHT McNEIL picture the scene. Training under the lights at Carrington with his mate Mason Greenwood as his parents watch on from their customary position on the sidelines. McNeil trained with Greenwood at Manchester United’s academy (right), can along with Brandon Williams and
Angel Gomes, until he was released seven years ago at 14.
He said the teenage United striker, now an England star, stood out from a young age. “The main thing I remember was training in the cage at night,” said the Burnley winger (below). “It was all a bit of fun really, playing games in this small area. It improved me as a player, playing in tight areas.
“Mason was two years younger but he played up with us. He was always good with both feet.
“You could tell how good he was at a young age. I know Mason personally and he’s a good man.”
The pals were reunited with England Under-21s when Greenwood received his first call-up in 2019 and will face each other as rivals tomorrow at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
They have come a long way since those nights at Carrington and have taken different routes to the top. “It’s great we’ve both achieved our dream to play in the Premier
League and obviously Mason is doing so well at United,” said McNeil.
“I’m happy for him. Every time he plays, he does well. He’s had some criticism but I know he’s a good guy and he’s come back scoring goals.”
McNeil, devastated when he was shown the door by his beloved United, still has a shirt from his idol Ryan Giggs at his parents’ house.
United let him go because they felt his crossing was not good enough yet he is now Burnley’s most creative player.
His dad, Matty, who played for Macclesfield and Stockport, and his mum, never stopped believing and, as it turned out, being dumped by United proved to be the making of him. He joined Burnley, determined to prove his old club wrong, and made his Clarets debut within four years at just 18.
McNeil, who clocked up his 100th Clarets appearance against Newcastle Sunday, said: “As a young it’s a hard one to take w you’re rejected, especi when it’s your dream c and the one you grew supporting. It gave me desire and determinatio become a professional.
“I had a chat with parents and decided the thing was to come to Bur and give it a go.
“It means a lot to me my family to be only 21 to have made my 100th pearance for the club.
“Hopefully I’ve pro some people wrong.”
McNeil has been a reg under Sean Dyche for the
last g kid, when ially club w up that on to
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gular e last two-and-a-half years and his manager’s only criticism is that he should smile more.
“Yeah, he tells me every day I need to enjoy my football and smile more because I’m hard on myself,” he said.
“The gaffer’s good like that and he knows how to get the best out of everyone.”
McNeil manages a smile when asked about Burnley’s survival chances – he is confident Dyche can lead them to a sixth successive season in the top flight.
“I’ve no concerns,” he said. “We’re looking forward to a big game on Sunday against United and we think we’ll stay in the Premier League.”