I promised last season to post up profiles of some of the club's most exciting young players more frequently this term. And I've failed miserably.
But I have been meaning for a while to deliver a write up on Mason Greenwood, who for me has been *the* outstanding performer in an in-itself outstanding United Academy side now only one win away from securing the Under-18 League North title.
Bradford-born 16 year-old forward Greenwood was promoted to the Academy squad in October having impressed playing with juniors one and two age groups above his over the last two terms. The lad has previously appeared for England U15s and performed well for the nation's U17 side having made his debut at that level earlier this season.
Greenwood is exceptionally two footed for a prospect of his age and uses this gift to his advantage turning defenders inside out with mazy runs from deep and firing accurate and cool finishes with both feet. Although ostensibly left-footed, the set piece specialist very unusually can take free kicks with either foot depending on the circumstances.
His link up play is tidy and incisive, and despite the facts that he has growing to do and that he is playing above his age group, he uses his body and natural strength well making him difficult to wrestle off the ball. His power and gait have drawn comparisons from some with Paul Pogba.
Greenwood's adeptness with both feet makes him a versatile squad member with the ability to play across the front line, and he has fulfilled at different points through the season various roles in the Academy side's attack, including contributing successfully in recent games at number nine.
Following his brace against Middlesborough last weekend, Greenwood has now racked up 10 goals in the last two months alone and 21 goals and 5 assists in 21 appearances (including 5 as a sub) at U18/U19 level this season, an exceptional record for a first year Academy prospect.
Expectations will be high for the games concluding this season's league campaign, and for next season, when we'll likely see Greenwood start as first choice number nine for the Academy side.
The obligatory over-hyped highlights reels can be found on YouTube for those who are yet to have the pleasure of watching the lad play.
Academy profile: Mason Greenwood
posted on 12/4/18
Good write up Rosso... That's some record for playing 2/3 years up
posted on 12/4/18
Keep them coming Rosso.
posted on 12/4/18
Saw him last summer in the Milk Cup in NI and he was the best player by a long way, in spite of being the youngest in the group
posted on 12/4/18
The value of being two footed. Fair play to the lad for training himself to be able to use his weaker foot more than adequately.
Not everyone can do it even at professional level as we see all to often during games.
posted on 12/4/18
Good stuff, rosso.
posted on 13/4/18
Great profile. Can’t wait for him to be loaned out out for years by Jose then eventually sold to someone like Derby.
posted on 13/4/18
I saw a bit of the under 18's match against Middlesborough last Saturday, He scored a great goal, If he continues like he's doing at the moment, I think he won't be far off a place in the first team.
posted on 13/4/18
Nani was probably the last player we had in the first team that was really comfortable passing/shooting with both feet.
posted on 13/4/18
comment by Vidicschin (U3584)
posted 6 hours, 31 minutes ago
The value of being two footed. Fair play to the lad for training himself to be able to use his weaker foot more than adequately.
Not everyone can do it even at professional level as we see all to often during games.
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He still likes to use his left predominately for dribbling, but his close control and striking of the ball with his right are very, very good.
Someone above mentioned Nani, and I'd rank his two-footedness right up there with his.
posted on 15/4/18
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