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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Why Mason Greenwood has to be involved for Manchester United against Everton

Let this sink in: 44 starts, 44 goals.

Mason Greenwood's record across two seasons at youth level has rightfully got Manchester United fans very excited.

The 17-year-old is the rising star in the Academy and has already made three senior appearances for the first-team under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season.

Despite becoming synonymous with the Norwegian coach's reign at Old Trafford it was actually under Jose Mourinho that the forward got his first opportunity.

Greenwood went on pre-season with the first-team last summer and was an unused substitute as United fell to defeat against Valencia in Mourinho's final Champions League.

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Flickering signs of promise have come in cameos against Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and West Ham but supporters are yet to see exactly what he has to offer.

The fact that Greenwood hasn't been subjected to his own 'Macheda moment' might actually work in his favour. A slower, but equally as promising start should ease the fears of him being a one-hit wonder but fans have every right to be excited.

In his three cameo appearances the forward has only mustered a collective total of 28 minutes of play, but he has looked sharp on his feet and eager to get involved when the moment is right.

Anyone who was speculative of his genuine talent will have been handed a startling reminder on Monday night when Greenwood netted an incredible free-kick against Newcastle.

The 17-year-old unleashed a ridiculous whipped effort from 35-yards which curled superbly to beat the diving goalkeeper. If you haven't seen it, search it on social media straight away.

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What was so refreshing about the goal is that it is an effort which could have been scored at any level, regardless of quality. This was not poor youth defending or a fluke effort, but a wonderful strike of pure technique from a genuine prospect in the game.

It is still too soon for Greenwood to be starting first-team matches, his lack of physicality makes it that bit harder to reproduce the kind of magic which has separated him from the pack this season.

Recent poor performances from Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial have to jeopardise their hopes of starting this weekend, while Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku haven't really done enough as of late to cement their places.

This should open the door for Greenwood to be involved this weekend, and a place on the bench against Everton is no less than he deserves. Yes, it might be argued that the stakes are too high, but with five defeats in the last seven is it really fair to stick with the players who have already failed to deliver?

United already have one of the most exciting players in the world, now they need to use him.

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