Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has urged Mason Greenwood to build on his performance in Manchester United’s FA Cup win over Liverpool, and warned that progress ‘won’t happen by itself’.
Greenwood’s equaliser in the 3-2 win at Old Trafford on Sunday was his first goal in 11 appearances since scoring at West Ham in early December. The youngster also made an assist for Marcus Rashford as United came from behind to clinch a fifth-round place.
Greenwood has endured a difficult time following his breakthrough season at United after he was expelled from the England squad following his senior debut in Iceland for inviting girls into the team hotel, and also censured by United over his attitude at the training ground.
However, Solskjaer believes the 19-year-old is maturing and also picking up good habits from veteran striker Edinson Cavani.
‘We think Mason is going be very important in the second half of the season, but it's not going to happen by itself because he’s played well and scored,’ said the United boss.
‘He scored against West Ham a while back and he was expected to kick on. He's taken steps, he's grown, he's more mature and he's been training with Edinson Cavani for half a season.
‘He’s learning new habits. Whoever doesn’t learn a professional like him or Bruno or the players we’ve brought in that's a pity. I'm very confident Mason will chip in with good performances and goals and assists.
‘When a striker of Edinson’s age runs almost 12km, he chases down every time the centre-back has got the ball, every time the goalkeeper has the ball, he tackles centre-midfielders.
‘He made a mistake for Liverpool’s second goal but he was closest to winning it back in his own 18-yard box. His reaction, work-rate and habits, his threat in the box, humility, coming in every single day to do your best. He's given us a lesson, every single one of us.’
Rashford limped out of the game with a sore knee but scans have shown just minor bruising, and Solskjaer expects the striker to be fit to face Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
‘Marcus is available, yeah. He trained this morning and he’s available for selection. He tweaked his knee a little bit but trained fully this morning.’
The match sees top of the table facing the bottom team, but Solskjaer insists United will stay grounded despite their position and the cup win over champions Liverpool.
‘We’re not getting carried away,’ he said. ‘We know we have to get consistency in results and performances. The two teams top of the league the last three seasons (Liverpool and Man City) have been amazing in their consistency.
‘In many other seasons you would have won the league with 15-20 points less. We know it’s the start of something, we just want to be competitive and keep on improving.’
Source: m.allfootballapp.com