Why Man United are right in handing Mason Greenwood a new deal
Teenage sensation Mason Greenwood has signed a new long-term Manchester United contract, the club has confirmed. The forward has committed to a four-year contract, with the option to extend by a further year.
Mason Greenwood, 18, made his Premier League debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the 2-0 away defeat to Arsenal in March, with his first top-flight start coming two months later.
He is enjoying his breakthrough campaign at Old Trafford this time around, making six substitute appearances in the league and starting three times in cup competitions.
The 18-year-old scored his first goal for Manchester United to seal a 1-0 Europa League win over Astana at Old Trafford in September and struck again in the EFL Cup draw with Rochdale, with the Red Devils ultimately progressing to the next round on penalties.
The versatile forward’s decision to pledge his future to United is a boost in a difficult season that has featured their worst start for 30 years.
It’s been a dire start to the 2019/20 season for the Red Devils, with Solskjaer’s future now looking increasingly in doubt as he badly struggles to lift his side.
In a lifeless season so far, there has been one shining light: the youth. Mason Greenwood, Angel Gomes, Brandon Williams and Tahith Chong have all appeared for the first-team this season, with James Garner waiting in the wings for his opportunity to seize.
Greenwood undoubtedly has impressed the most amongst all the academy graduates. The 18-year-old’s rise through the academy has been there for everyone to see, which is why he has been rewarded with a new contract and a place in the first-team.
His talent and potential have caught the eye of Solskjaer, who has made it a priority to blood up and coming academy prospects in the first-team.
With Anthony Martial having missed all the action since getting injured in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace and Marcus Rashford bereft of confidence at the moment, the door is wide open for Greenwood to become a regular member of the squad.
The England Under-21 star is a nightmare for defenders as he is prolific in front of goal and has the innate ability to take it on both foot and shoot.
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There’s a genuine feeling around United, the coaching staffs and the fans that Greenwood is a first-team star for the future, a player with sublime potential.
With United planning for the long-term under the management of Solskjaer, there’s every reason to see him get more and more opportunities as the season progresses.
Verdict
All in all, United’s decision to offer Greenwood a new deal is definitely a step in the right direction.