Man Utd: Solskjaer says Greenwood is ‘best finisher we have'
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was prepared to adjust the club's transfer plans because of Mason Greenwood's promise. The Norwegian was approaching the end of his first season at the helm, when he decided that he did not want to block the path of the youngster.
Greenwood was handed several first-team opportunities following the sacking of Jose Mourinho with Solskjaer keen on creating a bridge between the academy and his senior set-up.
He gave the teenager a huge vote of confidence alongside Tahith Chong when bringing the pair on in the memorable Champions League last-16 win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking in April 2019, Solskjaer claimed he would not go out and make a handful of signings because he feared it may block the development of several young players including Greenwood.
"I don't think you can expect six players coming in - I know there won't be six players coming in," the United boss said.
Mason Greenwood changed Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's transfer plans (Image: GETTY)
"We can't just take players in because we need a body," he added before also citing three of his highly-rated prospects.
"Mason Greenwood is a player for me - he is 17 and I want to give him the chance to become a top player at this club.
"It's the same with Marcus Rashford at 21 and Diogo Dalot at 20. These players are going to get a chance and that is going to affect players who are at the other end of their careers.
"It means you don't want too many changes with signings and you have to say to players at the other end of their careers: 'I don't think you're for me'."
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Now Greenwood is repaying his faith by firing on all cylinders for United.
He has 18 goals for the first-team this season including four in his last three matches.
There is a huge buzz around Carrington regarding the 18-year-old who has also made an impression on Gareth Southgate.
Greenwood is reportedly set to receive his first England call-up for September's Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark.
Man Utd feel they may have a future superstar on their books in Mason Greenwood (Image: GETTY)
Solskjaer stood by Greenwood following a training ground clash with Alexis Sanchez last summer.
The youngster put in a strong challenge on the Chilean, who lost his temper with Greenwood.
But it was Sanchez who was eventually shown the exit door, joining Inter Milan on a season-long loan.
Now there is no place for him at Old Trafford and Greenwood is one of the first names on the team-sheet, spearing the attack alongside Rashford and Anthony Martial.
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission on any sales of products or services we write about. This article was written completely independently, see more details here