Man Utd starlet Mason Greenwood makes his case in Anthony Martial’s absence

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

When Anthony Martial was ruled out of action on the eve of Wednesday’s night game against Tottenham, Manchester United fans clamoured for Mason Greenwood to be given the chance to start from the off. The starlet had been patiently waiting in the wings all season, playing just 137 minutes of Premier League football.

And with reports suggesting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is currently fighting for his job – a fact made worse by the availability of Mauricio Pochettino – it would have been very easy for the United boss to simply go for the safe option of playing Marcus Rashford up front, and bringing in a more experienced option to play in midfield. Instead, the Norwegian bravely threw caution to the wind, and the 18-year-old duly rewarded him with a performance brimming with potential.

The Red Devils started the game with an intent that has been sorely lacking from their game all season. Too often they have been passive, and it has been little surprise to see them fall to timid defeats to the likes of Crystal Palace and Newcastle. But against Spurs on Wednesday evening, Solskjaer’s men pressed, and it was Greenwood in the number nine role who helped initiate things.

As per Sofascore, he won three ground duels and made three tackles as he looked to hustle and harry the Spurs defence, whilst he showed the enormous potential he has with the ball at his feet. Capable of striking efforts with either foot, he caused the away side all sorts of problems by interchanging with the likes of Rashford and Daniel James up front, popping up in various positions. He was desperately unlucky not to get on the score-sheet with a fierce low drive that Paulo Gazzaniga saved with his leg, and showed Solskjaer exactly what he can bring to the table.

His willingness to do and even embrace the defensive work makes him an intriguing alternative to Anthony Martial, who truly comes alive with the ball at his feet. Greenwood on the other hand looks electric without it too, and could really tie in with Solskjaer’s intent on playing fast, attacking football.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have been told which Premier League star is “precisely” who they need, by a BBC Sport pundit.