Ryan Giggs has spoken highly about the development of Mason Greenwood at Manchester United, after the youngster inherited the Welsh legend’s old No.11 shirt.
It’s been a difficult end to the summer for Greenwood, despite getting an upgraded squad number at United.
After being called up to the English squad for the first time he was sent home for breaching COVID-19 protocols. Then The Sun decided to kick Greenwood while he down by running exclusive footage of the youngster allegedly inhaling laughing gas.
But Giggs feels Greenwood is ready to step up and won’t feel the pressure of No.11.
“Mason has already nearly scored more goals than I did, so there’s no pressure in that respect,” the Wales manager told The Sun.
“But no, I don’t think he’ll feel the pressure of the number.
“He’s a brilliant player, who I don’t think he even looks like scoring every game – I think he’s going to score two every game, he’s that much of a threat.
“He’s been playing off the right – eventually, I think he will go as a centre-forward.
“But he needs to go again. Opposition will be aware of him and they’ll be trying to stop him.
“He’s got to find a way to keep improving, which I’m sure he will do because he’s very hard to stop – left or right foot, his movement’s good.
“And he’s in an attacking team with the likes of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, who can find him.”
The 18-year-old, who wore the number 26 shirt up until now, had a superb breakthrough season at Old Trafford last term.
The No.11 shirt at United was worn by Giggs for nearly 25 years. The Welshman played 963 times for the club between 1991 and 2014, scoring 168 goals.
The number was previously worn by legends Mark Hughes and Andrey Kanchelskis also.
This means United’s exciting front three of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Greenwood will wear the numbers 9, 10 and 11 respectively. That’s one for the football nerds.
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