Mason Greenwood was the subject of enquires before the season began. We’ve just learned about interest from Crystal Palace which was rightly rebuffed by Manchester United.
The 18-year-old striker has made a huge impact during his breakthrough season at United — but Hodgson chanced his arm at the beginning of the season and his attempt to get Greenwood on loan proved unsuccessful.
With 16 goals in all competitions, only Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have more goals than the youngster for United this season, it’s no wonder Palace had their eyes on him. They would be in a better league position if Greenwood was playing up top instead of Christian Benteke.
Greenwood had a swollen ankle after Monday night’s draw with Southampton, so he is a doubt for tonight’s trip to Palace. That will be music to Hodgson’s ears as the former England manager is without Benteke after the Belgian petulantly kicked out in their last outing against Aston Villa only to receive a red card.
Back in August, however, an attempt was made to take Greenwood to Selhurst Park on loan.
“Mason is a fantastic player,” Hodgson told reporters on Wednesday, as per GOAL. “We’ve known about him for a while and in actual fact I think we might even have enquired about him at the start of the season, if there was any chance of him coming out on loan.
“Of course you get the answer ‘no chance’ because they see him as one of theirs. But it wasn’t a difficult spot.
“I think people all over the Premier League have realised there is a real talent on the books of Manchester United and it’s been just a question of time before he gets his chance.
“It was the same with Marcus [Rashford], he didn’t have to wait either and they put him in early and, as a result, they find themselves with a young but very, very talented forward line.”
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