Throughout the season the right wing has been an enigma for Manchester United.
In truth, the problem goes back much further. It was a role that Jose Mourinho could never have understood, with the guilt that fell firmly on the United recruiting team.
It is this desire to sign a player to fill this void that has led United to continue looking for Jadon Sancho [Telegraph].
So it is noteworthy, therefore, that with the Sancho saga near the transfer window that could bring it to completion, United seems to have found an internal solution for the right wing, in Mason Greenwood.
Lethal Greenwood
Greenwood has started his last two Premier League games in United on the right wing, with wins over Sheffield United and Brighton.
This happened after an impressive cameo against Tottenham, after Dan James blew up his audition.
While James is a work in progress, Greenwood is already the real deal. It has a natural appearance on the right, and is particularly dangerous when cutting inside and carrying on goal.
Playing outside allows Greenwood to get the ball more than he would if he started the lead, and is making the most of it.
His goal against Brighton last night has encapsulated everything he’s good at. It is unpredictable, in a nightmare way for the defenders, and has a lethal blow on him.
He showed how his all-round game is developing with an outrageous cross from outside the boot to prepare Bruno Fernandes for United’s third goal.
Space for both
Don’t get twisted. Manchester United will continue to push to sign Jadon Sancho this summer.
But just now, this season, Greenwood has seen rivals James and Juan Mata for United’s right-hand anchor.
Greenwood’s top three, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are so dangerous for the teams to face, that it’s inevitable in every game that at least one of them will score.
For the rest of this season, it is Greenwood’s place and, in big games, it is likely that he will maintain Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s trust until further notice.
Next season, Sancho’s potential arrival will give United an additional selection headache, but positive. There is no reason to suddenly shy away from the deal.
Sancho can also play left and switch to Marcus Rashford, if Greenwood continues to become unstoppable, and the teenager can also play front row.
It’s great to have options, and Greenwood is currently as tall as the only realistic right if United wants to kick.
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