Dean is keen on Mason support
DEAN ASHTON has urged Manchester United to keep supporting Mason Greenwood.
The striker burst on to the scene last season and bagged 17 goals in 49 appearances.
His impressive haul resulted in an England call-up and he made his debut against Iceland three weeks ago.
However, the milestone was overshadowed after Greenwood, 18, and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, 20, were sent home two days later for breaching coronavirus protocols.
Ashton, who began his career with Crewe Alexandra, reckons Greenwood can reach the top but warned that being in the limelight doesn’t get easier.
“He undoubtedly has superb potential and stands out so much because he can use both feet,” he said.
“I got into a Championship side at 16 years old so the one thing I can relate to is that no-fear attitude and the feeling you’ll play your game just like you’ve done in the youth teams.
“The big question is – and you can throw on top what happened with England – is the external pressures. The pressure of expectation is massive. I struggled with that and lots of young players do.”
Greenwood and Foden have been omitted from Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad to face Wales, Belgium and Denmark and Ashton now wants Old Trafford bigwigs to look after the young striker.
He added: “Greenwood will need the support of everyone at United to make sure they keep him on level ground and out of the public eye.
“Having good people around you is key.”