Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Mason is a smooth operator
MASON GREENWOOD is a natural No.9, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Manchester United boss feels the 19-year-old has grown in both body and mind after overcoming the shame of being booted out of the England squad for breaking pandemic protocols in Iceland in September.
Greenwood is now back to his best, and his manager insisted: “Mason isn’t just a natural finisher — he’s a natural footballer.
“He is so smooth and he’s matured so much this season. You can see his body has developed and he’s getting stronger.
“His consistency is getting better and better and he will start scoring more goals, that’s for sure.
“I have been really impressed and happy with his development.
“He’s come through that difficult patch as a stronger person and a better player.
“Maybe in the future he can play as a central striker. I still think that’s a few years away.
“But I think we have found a good way to develop him and he might end up as a No.9.”
The lad from Bradford has scored three goals in his last five appearances after hitting the net just four times in his previous 38 outings.
Solskjaer reckons Greenwood has benefited from seeing how veteran Edinson Cavani is still proving to be a handful at the age of 34.
He said: “I can see that Edi really appreciates Mason’s talent, his hunger and willingness to learn.
“And in Edinson Cavani, he is learning from one of the very best. I don’t want to see Mason playing with his back to goal.”