Scott McTominay believes Mason Greenwood has more first-team action in sight at Old Trafford.
In a Q&A session with Manchester United’s official website, the Scotland international was asked whether or not any youngsters are standing out. A vague question because there are a few players he could easily name in his answer.
But Greenwood gets a mention from McTominay, who was honest in his response, saying the talented striker is not quite at the level of being a regular in the first-team.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke to United We Stand recently about players having the right attitude and everyone will want to keep the likes of Greenwood on his toes, ensuring that he becomes the player his ability warrants.
McTominay said: “For the younger boys? There’s a lot. You see Di’Shon [Bernard], Largie [Ramazani], Jimmy [Garner], you see Mason [Greenwood], obviously, coming in and Mason’s on his way to being established. He’s not quite at that level of being a regular first-teamer, and that’s what Mason has to strive to become. He’s one of the most talented players that I’ve seen for a long time – his left-foot, right-foot shooting is ridiculous.
“For me, it’s my responsibility – Marcus, Jesse, the more experienced ones like Juan, Nemanja, Granty, for example – we’ve got to take a responsibility now to push these younger boys and get them up to a level where it’s justifiable that they’ve reached their potential. For everyone at the football club, that’s the primary goal as well. It’s the same for myself: I’m getting pushed by the coaching staff every single day. Obviously Harry Maguire, Nemanja, Paul, they’re such influential players that you have to learn from every day. If the boys don’t take responsibility for their own careers, it can pass you by quickly. The boys who have come into the first team this year from the younger age groups have been an absolute credit.”
McTominay is still new to the first-team himself. This season he has emerged as a leader in the team and believes it’s the responsibility of the more experienced players to guide the youngsters.
He added: “For me, it’s my responsibility — Marcus, Jesse, the more experienced ones like Juan, Nemanja, Granty, for example — we’ve got to take a responsibility now to push these younger boys and get them to a level where it’s justifiable that they’ve reached their potential.”
United are back training — in small groups — and Greenwood will be hoping he can end the season on a high with more appearances, should the season resume next month. He has 12 goals to his name in all competitions this season after emerging as one of Europe’s most promising youngsters.
READ MORE: United preparing £10m package for Sporting starlet after Nani recommendation
Want more United? Subscribe to Stretty News’ Patreon for bonus content. Also check out the Strettycast – #1 Manchester United podcast.