Man Utd: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer likens Mason Greenwood to Ryan Giggs

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer likens Mason Greenwood’s emergence to that of Ryan Giggs as Manchester United boss hints at more game time for teenage striker: ‘You can’t send him on loan and he’s ready to be in this squad’

  • Mason Greenwood scored in Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Inter Milan
  • It was the second friendly in a row in which he has come off the bench to net
  • After Saturday’s game, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer likened Greenwood to Ryan Giggs
  • Giggs made his United debut at the age of 17 and never played for another club
  • Solskjaer suggested Greenwood could feature against Chelsea on August 11

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer compared Mason Greenwood’s spectacular emergence at Manchester United to that of Ryan Giggs after seeing the teenager fire the winning goal against Inter Milan in Singapore.

It was the second game in a row that Greenwood has come off the bench to score on United’s pre-season tour after making his senior debut against Cardiff on the final day of last season.

Solskjaer, who believes the 17-year-old could figure against Chelsea in the first game of the new campaign, says that it was never in his thoughts to send Greenwood out on loan this season.

Teenager Mason Greenwood scored in Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Inter Milan

And he believes the striker’s story could echo that of Giggs who made his United debut at the age of 17 and never played for another club side in his professional career.

‘Mason has never been on my mind to send out on loan,’ said Solskjaer. ‘He’s one we have to keep at our place. It’s good for him and at the moment he’s fine. He reminds me a little bit of the Giggsy story – you can’t send him on loan and he’s ready to be in this squad.

‘The kid’s only 17 and he’s learning every day training with these boys. He’s been with us the last few months, he’s grown in confidence and he’s grown in stature. I said before when you’ve got players who perform it’s difficult to keep them out. But we’ve got to keep our feet on the ground with him, he’s only 17. There will be ups and downs but he’s enjoying his football.’

Greenwood has made a huge impact in the absence of Romelu Lukaku who has yet to play on tour as United and Inter haggle over a fee. It was confirmed on Saturday that United have rejected a £54m bid for the Belgium striker.

Solskjaer admitted that Lukaku’s lack of training and match time due to an ankle injury could be a concern if he stays at the club, with the new season three weeks away.

The 17-year-old fired past Inter keeper Samir Handanovic at the Singapore National Stadium

The 17-year-old fired past Inter keeper Samir Handanovic at the Singapore National Stadium

‘If you’re a player and don’t manage to train for a week – he’s missed three games now – it’s a concern,’ added the United boss. ‘He’s working to get back on the pitch and let’s see how long it takes.

‘I think we have done really well without Romelu but we know he’s one of the top strikers in the world. We’ve played a different way. As a coach you adapt to the players available. We’re looking forward to the next game against Tottenham (in Shanghai) and let’s see who’s available.’

Asked if Inter’s bid for Lukaku and United’s failure to find a breakthrough with Leicester in negotiations over Harry Maguire is hampering his pre-season plans, Solskjaer replied: ‘Of course, you want to have your team settled as early as possible.

A young Ryan Giggs pictured back in 1991

A young Ryan Giggs pictured back in 1991

‘As I said, whoever’s available we will work with them to get them performing and training. Let’s see on August 8 who’s here and who’s not.’

The crowd at the National Stadium in Singapore were overwhelmingly in favour of United, and yet surprisingly Ashley Young was booed when he came on for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the second half.

‘I’ll have a chat with him,’ said Solskjaer. ‘I think Ashley is a top professional, always gives absolutely everything and his delivery ended up with a goal. We want fans to support our players and Ash has been a very loyal servant to this club.’

Wan-Bissaka impressed once again as United kept a clean sheet for the third game in a row. ‘We’re building a team and Wan-Bissaka did really well today,’ said Solskjaer. ‘He’s hard to go past and I’m very pleased with his performance, and the team’s.

‘You see the confidence grow in him. He’s been here two weeks and he’s made an impact on the squad and supporters. He’s got a great chance to have a long good career ahead of him.’

Inter manager Antonio Conte also spoke about Lukaku in his post-game press conference.

He said ‘I think that I answered yesterday about Lukaku. It’s not right to speak about the player in this moment. He is United’s player and for this reason I think we must show great respect for the club and at the same time also for the player and for my players.

‘As I said yesterday, I like him because I consider him a player who could improve our team. But on one side it is my hope, my will, on my other side we will see what we find with the club.’

After Saturday's game, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer likened Greenwood to Giggs

After Saturday’s game, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer likened Greenwood to Giggs

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