Solskjaer: I’ve never seen a better finisher at his age

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER last night paid tribute to Mason Greenwood’s special talent after the teenager hit a stunning double against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

It took Greenwood’s total for the season to 15 and eight in the Premier League — making him the highest scoring player aged 18 or under in the top flight since Wayne Rooney scored nine for Everton in the 2003-04 season.

Solskjaer tried to play down comparisons with Rooney but admitted he has not seen a better finisher at that age.

‘No, I don’t think I have,’ said the United manager. ‘I’ve seen Wayne Rooney at the same age and Mason is a specialist finisher and specialist goalscorer. He knows exactly what to do with the ball when he’s on the pitch. If he shoots he will score, and he is going to get better.

‘I don’t want to compare Mason to Wazza or Cristiano Ronaldo, I don’t think that’s fair. The boy will create his own career and he is doing it his own way.

‘They’ve had fantastic careers, both of them, and I’m sure if Mason keeps on doing the right things, making good decisions, he will have a fantastic career as well. We’ve always known that there’s a special kid there.

‘He’s a fantastic goalscorer and he scored for us in very important moments of the game. He’s got a left foot to come inside, but defenders have to worry about him going outside as he can score on his right. We will nurture and manage him and give him more minutes.’

Solskjaer also saw Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford claim their 20th goals of the season. ‘That’s a milestone for everyone,’ he added. ‘The two of them can settle down a little bit now and don’t have to chase that next goal.’

Bournemouth put up a good fight but the 5-2 reverse was a fourth defeat in a row since the restart and kept Eddie Howe’s side in 19th place.

‘We gave it a go but ultimately we lost five goals and it’s really tough to take,’ said Howe. ‘Since lockdown, it has been a huge disappointment.

‘We’ve found it hard to play with the normal rhythm and fight we’d normally show. If you’re not at your very best in this league, you will suffer.’