Such has been Manchester United’s struggles this season, what with them being outside of the top four, that 18-year-old Mason Greenwood almost feels like the man to lead the Red Devils out of this dark tunnel.
The academy product has featured prominently under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season following his stellar pre-season performances that saw him net against the likes of Inter and Leeds.
Despite his tender years, he has made 26 senior appearances this season as per Transfermarkt, scoring nine goals in total. But just days after getting on the score-sheet again against Norwich in the Premier League at the weekend, Greenwood looked a little lost in the FA Cup third round replay clash against Wolves on Wednesday night.
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As per Sofascore, he registered no attempts on goal whatsoever in the 64 minutes that he was on the pitch, and failed to complete either of the two dribbles that he attempted. That no doubt was largely as a result of the complete lack of service he was getting, and his own inability to find time and space to cause the visitors any damage.
He had a woeful 18 touches – by far the lowest of any player who started the game for United, and exactly half that of teammate Daniel James, who came off at the same time as him after the break. Wolves’ five-at-the-back formation appeared to stifle his attacking threats, blocking off any passing routes into him, and any space in behind for him to run on to.
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It was no surprise therefore that he lost the only two duels that he was involved in. At the young age that he is, it is up to Solskjaer to protect him in the best way possible. Whilst exposing him to regular first-team football no doubt has its major advantages, it can also have the drawback of placing too much responsibility and weight on his shoulders.
His performances to date have been very encouraging indeed, but against Wolves, he looked slightly lost at the sheer burden of it all. It simply put into perspective how reliant the Red Devils have become on the teenager as a genuine game-changing option. It should act as a warning to both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ed Woodward that attacking reinforcements are needed, and that doing so would only serve to help someone like Greenwood, rather than hinder him.
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