Mason Greenwood is like a breath of fresh air.
The academy graduate has come into the Manchester United first team and already looks ready to be a regular. That is not to say I don’t think the Reds should sign Jadon Sancho this summer because Greenwood will likely move more central in a couple of years.
Greenwood has had a spectacular goal outpoint in his first season for United, but he has just two assists in all competitions, and that’s why I feel no matter what Sancho is required at Old Trafford.
But the United teenager has earned comparisons from fans to Van Persie for his playing style and finishing abilities.
Van Persie has admitted he advises his son, Shaqueel, to study Greenwood’s game to improve as a footballer himself. On the comparisons, he told 90min: “It’s a big compliment for me, because I really like him! He must get tired of this by now, people comparing him with me. I get the idea that people compare us, but he’s making his own movie.
“He’s doing really well — he’s 18 years old and has a unique way of playing. His finishing is wow, unreal. Forward players know it’s very difficult to shoot from underneath your body, and he handles it so quickly that sometimes the ball is underneath him but still manages to create so much power.
“Even the disallowed goal against Copenhagen, he could have passed to Rashford, but didn’t. He was at a very tight angle, and normally you would say it’s impossible to score from there, but because of his accuracy and power it still went in off the post. His shot which hit the post in the second half was powerful and accurate, too.
“He’s a unique player with a bright future ahead of him. As a fan I really enjoy watching him play. I tell my son, I say listen Shaqueel, my son is 13 years old, I say watch Mason Greenwood. You can learn from him!”
Nurturing Greenwood is one of Solskjaer’s biggest tasks right now. He’s too good not to play and his game is still developing. It’s a frightening prospect.
Hopefully Greenwood’s own movie consists of Premier League titles, Champions League triumphs and the story of a one club man.
Read more: Van Persie puts United’s upturn in form down to new midfield partnership
