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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Gareth Bicknell

Mason Greenwood can still eclipse two Man Utd legends after record-breaking goal

Mason Greenwood can still eclipse two Manchester United legends after rewriting the club's record books with his goal against Aston Villa.

Greenwood became United's highest scoring teenager in Premier League history when he fired Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side to victory at Villa Park.

That was his 16th top-flight goal - meaning he has netted more than the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford and Ryan Giggs all did before they turned 20.

But the 19-year-old will have two more United greats in his sights as Leicester head to Old Trafford on Tuesday night, followed closely by the visit of Liverpool on Thursday.

Greenwood's is now United's third-highest goalscorer in all competitions as a teenager, with 28 goals since he made his Red Devils debut back in 2019.

Mason Greenwood celebrates his record-breaking goal against Aston Villa on Sunday (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Norman Whiteside leads the way with 39 goals in his formative years, while the great George Best scored two less before turning 20.

Greenwood's recent form has seen him increasingly hailed as the future of United's attack, with the deadly finisher having scored seven in his last 10 games.

And while he is some way behind both Whiteside and Best at the moment, he can overtake them both before he celebrates his 20th birthday in October.

He would certainly be in illustrious company then, with two-time title-winner Best one of United's most revered legends, while Whiteside won two FA Cups with the club and broke numerous records as a young player before being forced to retire aged 26 due to a knee injury.

George Best scored 37 goals for United as a teenager (Mirrorpix)

Republic of Ireland star Whiteside was the youngest player to take part in a World Cup, the youngest to score in a League Cup and FA Cup final, and the youngest to score a senior goal for United.

He also made the most appearances as a teenager for the club, playing 146 times, with Greenwood's 96 games to date placing him fifth on that list behind Best (128), Giggs (121) and Duncan Edwards (106).

Greenwood will certainly benefit from the news that Edinson Cavani is staying at United, after it was announced on Monday the Uruguay star has signed a one-year extension.

Norman Whiteside was United's youngest ever player to reach 200 appearances (Getty)

The veteran striker added to Greenwood's goal on Sunday, sealing a 3-1 win for United thanks to his incisive movement and clinical finishing.

And having the hugely experienced 34-year-old around for another year will only benefit Greenwood as he looks to follow in a long line of great attacking players at the club.

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