Solskjaer admits to Greenwood poser
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted it will be impossible to leave out Mason Greenwood if Manchester United’s teenage striker keeps scoring, but insisted he has no concerns over Marcus Rashford’s form.
United go in search of their first away win since March tomorrow when they visit West Ham United at the London Stadium and Greenwood is in contention for only his second Premier League start after his match-winning first senior goal against Astana in the Europa League on Thursday.
Greenwood spared United from embarrassment against the champions of Kazakhstan with a sublime turn and finish after Rashford’s struggles in front of goal had continued with a series of spurned chances.
Greenwood does not turn 18 until next month, but Solskjaer – who was happy to allow Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to leave this summer without bringing in a replacement, such was his faith in the England Under-21 striker – admits the youngster is giving him a selection headache.
“It’s always hard to keep players who perform well out of the team,” the United manager said. “I remember when I came in here … and if he keeps scoring goals, he’ll play and he’ll get more minutes in the Premier League as well. He’ll get his first start soon.”
Although he struck from the penalty spot in the 1-0 win over Leicester last weekend, Rashford has not scored from open play since the opening day of the season against Chelsea and he endured a frustrating night against Astana.
But Solskjaer believes the England striker, just 21, is still a work in progress. “He is still young, he’ll improve. You won’t hit your peak as a striker until you’re 26 or 27,” he said. “He’s still learning what finishes to make in different circumstances. He’s getting the chances. Of course he could have had three [against Astana]. The keeper [Nenad Eric] made a few fantastic saves. I don’t worry about that, no.
“I think today’s forwards are different from old traditional No9s. There’s not many left of them. Marcus can play all four positions – right, left, up front on his own and as a 10. Anthony [Martial] can. Mason can. None are pinpointed to one position. You’ll see them rotated.”
Martial remains sidelined through injury, as does Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw. Daniel James remains a doubt after picking up a knock against Leicester.