Ole Gunnar Solskjaer joked that Mason Greenwood is welcome to practice his heading ability with him after Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Luton Town in the Carabao Cup.
Goals from Greenwood, Juan Mata and Marcus Rashford sealed United’s progression to the fourth-round where they will face Brighton or Preston North End away.
Greenwood, 18, came on with under 15 minutes left at Kenilworth Road, but made an immediate impact with what is fast becoming a trademark finish into the bottom corner.
The introduction of the teenage sensation and Marcus Rashford put the tie beyond doubt against the gritty Championship opponents in the late stages.
Since his breakthrough as a United regular last season, Greenwood has predominately been utilised on the right-flank with Solskjaer lacking a specialist in the position.
But the Norwegian believes he will transition into a centre forward and highlighted the key area he must improve before challenging to start in the position.
“He can play through the middle,” Solskjaer said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
“As a young boy, not physically outgrown yet, sometimes it’s nice to be facing forward rather than being the number nine and being the foil and being the battering ram, if you like.
“I think he’ll end up as a number nine in the end, probably. But he’s so good with his right or left, it doesn’t matter if he comes through the middle.
“He had a fantastic season last season and to get his goal now was important for him and Marcus [Rashford]. Always, for strikers to get that confidence or that feeling of scoring, to get that hunger again.
“So very happy with that and he’ll just have to keep working to get his fitness and sharpness back as well as the rest of them.”
Greenwood hasn’t been prolific with headed goals throughout his rise to the first-team but there are few better to learn from than his current manager.
We expect the youngster to be selected in Solskjaer’s starting eleven as they look to bounce back from their Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace with victory away to Brighton on Saturday.
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