Mason Greenwood, the seventeen-year-old striker from Manchester United, is already making waves among his teammates. Marcus Rashford described Greenwood's talent as "frightening natural abilities."
The Red Devils faced Leeds during the Premier League pre-season. Manchester handily defeated Leeds 4-0, wherein Greenwood scored the opening goal seven minutes into the game. Rashford, Phil Jones, and Anthony Martial each had a goal of their own.
During the after-game interview, Rashford praised Greenwood's performance telling the press, "I think it's no good putting things in his head repeatedly. He's a clever kid so he'll learn as he goes His natural abilities are frightening."
Greenwood, who also plays for England's Under-18 squad, made his headlining debut in March during a Champion's League match against Paris St-Germain. Manchester managed to pull a comeback win stunning the French squad. It was the second leg of their matchup, and Manchester won on away goals.
Since his debut in March, Greenwood has made three league appearances, each more promising than the last. His recent goal against Leeds is his first goal for the squad.
Greenwood's debut wouldn't have been possible if Romelu Lukaku was not left out of the starting squad. Lukaku was not in the team sheet for the match against Leeds as he was feeling "knocked" and that he was not able to join the team's training the day before.
Lukaku's absence have fueled a lot of speculation that Manchester might be looking to deal him into Inter Milan. Should Manchester decide to go on with the deal, it will create an opening on the squad's front third. With Lukaku leaving the forward position, Greenwood is one of the most viable options to fill it up.
Should this deal happen, it will simply show how dedicated Manchester to the young star. It will certainly be a bold move trading a tested veteran to a young and untested rookie.
Aside from Rashford, Machester United manager Gunnar Solskajer has nothing but praise for the rising star. Solskajer said that he has faith in Greenwood and that he is seriously considering starting him in a match against Chelsea on Aug. 11.
Way before he made his debut with Manchester, Greenwood has been showered by so much hype. It would appear that the 17-year-old is could deliver the good. During his stint with England's Under-18, Under-19, and Under-21 squads, he racked up a total of 30 goals in 29 games. Only time will tell whether Greenwood is really worth the hype being thrown around him. From the looks of it, he might be on his way to landing that starting forward spot.
