It’s club over country just now for teen star Mason

MASON Greenwood has been advised to focus purely on his football for United, amid talk that he could receive an England call-up.

An injury to Three Lions captain Harry Kane has thrust the forward’s name into the conversation for a potential place in the national side’s squad ahead of Euro 2020.

Greenwood, 18, has nine senior goals for United in just 13 starts and is one of the in-form English forwards in the Premier League along with team-mate Marcus Rashford.

But former Reds star Wes Brown believes it’s too soon to be talking about Greenwood in relation to an international cap.

“I’m sure in the future he’s definitely going to be one for England,” Brown said.

“Is that going to be happening soon? I doubt it. Does he need that right now? Probably not.

“He needs to focus on Manchester United but you cannot question his quality.”

Brown has been a long-term admirer of Greenwood, just like Reds boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who has had no qualms about throwing the teenager into the United first team.

But after a poor display from the youngster in the FA Cup third round replay against Wolves, Brown challenged the striker to produce the goods on a more consistent basis.

“Honestly, if you watched him for the Under-23s you’d understand his capabilities,” he added.

“The question obviously is can he do it in the first team on a regular basis? A lot of the times he’s been coming on as a sub but he only ever needs one or two opportunities to make a difference.

“You can see the quality he has. He’s very young and Ole is doing the right thing with him at the moment. But quality-wise, it’s all there to see.”

BRANDON Williams had only played for United twice the last time they faced Liverpool in the Premier League. This weekend he deserves to start.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side head to Anfield on Sunday with little expectancy to cause a shock, but in the left-back they have a player who proves that anything can happen.

The teenager wasn’t even in the United first-team picture last summer and was considered below Ethan Laird as a defender with credentials of making a breakthrough this season.

Yet following an incredible start to the season at youth level, Williams burst into the first team, dislodged two senior players ahead of him, earned a new contract and convinced the club to halt their search for a new left-back.

Not bad for a player who only made his debut back in October.

Another tussle with Pedro Neto on Wednesday in the clash with Wolves was one of few highlights on a night which largely underwhelmed at Old Trafford as Williams yet again showcased his determination and character in the FA Cup triumph.

While supporters have come accustomed to his tenacity in defence, Williams is loved more so for his genuine talent on the pitch. A lung-bursting run in the second half saw him close down Neto once again, defying the odds to deny the winger’s cut inside and attempt at a shot. If the youngster can stay as focused at the weekend then his battle against Mo Salah could be pivotal in securing any positive outcome for his side.

“I’m confident, it’s a morale boost,” Williams reiterated after nullifying Adama Traore on Wednesday night. “We go into the weekend full of confidence.” He has every right to mean it, too.

With an unbeaten record stretching well over a year, Liverpool are thoroughly expected to secure another three points on Sunday, but under the counter-attacking tactics of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United might stand a better chance than some think.

Liverpool’s superior individual talent makes them favourites, but if Williams and Aaron Wan-Bissaka can play to the best of their ability then an upset could well be on the cards.

Wan-Bissaka has made a case to be the best defensive right-back in the Premier League this season, while opposite number Trent Alexander-Arnold will be tested against the cavalier approach from Williams on the left.

The 19-year-old terrorised Norwich with his overlapping play at the weekend and earned another penalty.

Any lapses in concentration on Sunday could provide United with a rare opportunity to hurt Liverpool and in Williams they have someone who can not only subdue the opposition attacking threat, but spearhead United’s very own.