Mason Greenwood credits three fellow Man Utd stars for first-team rise

Manchester United youngster Mason Greenwood has said that Juan Mata, Daniel James and Anthony Martial have been particularly influential in helping him progress this season.

With United short of options in attack this season following the summer exits of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has brought Greenwood into the fold and gave the 18-year-old his debut in August.

Since then, the striker has kicked on having scoring seven goals in 19 appearances, including when he rescued the Red Devils a point against Everton from the bench last Sunday.

Such form has seen him receive glowing praise from Solskjaer, who recently admitted that it is becoming difficult to keep the youngster out of the side.

Speaking to United’s official website, Greenwood opened up on how he is coping with being thrown into the limelight, insisting that his teammates have been a big help.

“Obviously, it’s tough playing at the top level but it’s good to have all the other lads helping you out on the pitch,” he said.

“It’s like you never feel alone. If you make a mistake, it’s okay because everyone makes mistakes. I would say all the other lads help you; before the game, they are geeing you up and everything.

“I sit next to Juan [Mata], Dan James and Anthony Martial in the dressing room so they are the main ones, who help me out a lot. But all the lads are really nice and helpful.”

Greenwood also named the match against Tottenham earlier this month – which United won 2-1 – as his toughest game so far.

“It makes you feel good knowing you’ve actually played against Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League game, and started,” the attacker said.

“It helps your belief. Tottenham was probably my hardest game so far. I found myself in pockets though and was getting on the ball in space and turning and running and passing.

“It was a bit of both and it was hard sometimes but, at other times, it was okay, I would say.

“We were working hard for each other and got the win. We deserved it as well.”

 

 

In other news, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has insisted that he would not be “scared” to sanction the sale of Christian Eriksen to a Premier League rival.

The midfielder has been linked with a move away from North London for some time, with United continually credited with interest in him.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, Levy simply said: “We are honestly not scared to trade with our rivals.”

Eriksen has played 19 times for Spurs so far this season, scoring two goals and assisting three others.