Mason Greenwood may be one of the most promising stars in English football but his position at Manchester United suddenly seems in doubt. Questions have been asked following comments made by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stating that Greenwood was ‘years away’ from playing centre forward at Old Trafford.
The youngster has played 27 times for United in the league so far and most of those appearances have been on the right flank. As he showed through the academy, Greenwood’s best position in the long term may be as an out-and-out striker but he’ll clearly have to wait, and that’s raised some questions about his future.
A Potential Vacancy
Ole’s comments came at a time when Edinson Cavani’s future at United was also being discussed. The Uruguayan centre forward was signed on a one-year contract in the summer with an option to extend for another season but all reports seem to suggest that the Red Devils will look elsewhere.
Cavani has scored some vital goals in this campaign: There have been ten overall including eight in the Premier League but United are clearly eyeing bigger and younger talent. The hunt for a marquee striker signing appears to be on with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane among those believed to be targeted.
The message is clear: While the club has some serious young talent coming through, there is a need for an established, prolific striker to move in. Manchester United have yet to adequately replace Romelu Lukaku and it’s time to buy in the goals rather than promote from within.
United Trophy Targets
With the title race effectively over and Manchester United eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, the only target that remains is the Europa League. Here, Solskjaer’s men have progressed to the semi final stage where they will face Roma over two legs. The winner of that tie will face either Arsenal or Villarreal in a one-off final.
There is some stiff opposition to come but United are clear favourites to win the trophy. According to markets supplied via sbo.net, the Red Devils are out in front at a general figure of Even Money while Arsenal are close behind. The odds setters are clearly expecting an all-English final as Roma and Villarreal are down the list.
Markets will be updated by sbo.net as those semi finals conclude and readers can take in all the news relating to this important competition. With several sportsbooks on the panel, there will also be the option to sign up with a range of funding options and to take advantage of any offers and promotions.
A major piece of silverware is always welcome but what effect would it have on Manchester United’s playing staff for next season?
What next for Mason Greenwood?
Manchester United are virtually certain to be playing top flight European football next season, they are in solid position to play Champions League. That will be enough to attract the big name strikers but where does that leave their fringe players?
More specifically, what kind of season can Mason Greenwood look forward to in 2021/22? During this campaign, Cavani has been on the fringes but a Haaland or a Kane would be a regular first team choice. There are also reports of Jesse Lingard returning to Old Trafford after an effective loan spell with West Ham United.
Greenwood may not be the first name on the team sheet and some of his appearances have been from the bench but he remains an important part of the squad. 17 goals in 49 games last season underline his huge potential and, while he’s not been as prolific in 2020/21, some of his ten strikes have been vital ones. He’s still only 19 and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will see Mason Greenwood as a key part of the club’s long term future. Conceivably, we might see a loan deal take place for the length of next season and that could offer the player the opportunity to play in his preferred role as a traditional centre forward. United will not want to see him go but the uncertainty over new arrivals has raised a few questions over Mason Greenwood’s input in 2021/22 and beyond.
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