Mason Greenwood: See the 18-year old forward keeping Odion Ighalo on Man Utd’s bench

Manchester United wrapped up their 14th league win of the season – third successive victory since the restart – and it was 18-year old prodigy Mason Greenwood who got all the plaudits with two well-taken goals to bring his season’s tally to 15 in all competitions.

"They're good friends, they're good mates, they challenge each other!"

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is delighted to see his forward line flying, with special praise for Mason Greenwood! 👊

🎙 @TheDesKelly pic.twitter.com/SLRn6WjWur

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— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) July 4, 2020

In just his eighth start and 26th Premier League appearance overall, Greenwood has now netted eight times to add to his five strikes in seven Europa League games. He also scored once in the FA Cup and another solitary strike in the League Cup.

However, Greenwood’s great form has somehow overshadowed the good performances of Nigerian Odion Ighalo who’s goals return since his loan move last January has been more than decent.

In 15 games, Ighalo has scored five times with a couple of assists which has reportedly earned him a contract extension at Old Trafford but he could be consigned to bit-part roles if the frontline of Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford continue to fire on all cylinders.

Already, the trio have scored 55 goals in all competitions among them, four more than the attacking trident of champions Liverpool.

For those who are statistically minded. this is a subtle reminder of what United’s front three have achieved this season:

Interesting stat. If #ManchesterUnited can sort out their defense, may have a proper team next season. #masongreenwood on 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oQ3BA2ALAh

— AL (@Ak_47R2D2) July 4, 2020

And, this. for context:

Man Utd are flying!!

• Marcus Rashford scores 15 PL goals in a season for first time ever
• Anthony Martial scores 20 goals all comps for first time in career
• Mason Greenwood scores 15th goal of season all comps.
• Bruno Fernandes scores free-kick, records two more assists pic.twitter.com/VLE9wTapS4

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) July 4, 2020

So, it is understandable that the effusive commendations have been unceasing from all and sundry, including from his manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer:

Solskjaer on Greenwood:

"He is a fantastic goalscorer. The moment he chose the goal, they were very important moments for us. He is a very, very talented boy and we will nurture him and manage him as best we can."#MUFC #MUNBOU

— ᗷIᒪᒪ ᖇIᑕᕮ 🎙📻 (@billrice23) July 4, 2020

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More praises for the boy prodigy:

#MUFC 4-2 Bournemouth. It's like a FIFA goal. Close control. Zero backlift. Power. Left-foot, right-foot it doesn't matter.

Mason Greenwood is so so special. https://t.co/Nm3m1biOM3

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— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) July 4, 2020

And a bit of history:

Mason Greenwood is the first teenager to score 15 goals in a single season for Man Utd since Wayne Rooney (17) in 2004/05.

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A special, special talent. pic.twitter.com/oDSp401Ydn

— Squawka (@Squawka) July 4, 2020

A goal/assist every 102 minutes in the league for @masongreenwood this season. He has as many goals in the league as Firmino and more than Lacazette 👏 pic.twitter.com/JmPgfMRHYV

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— Scott Patterson (@R_o_M) July 4, 2020

Ighalo, undoubtedly, will get his time to play but it is the considered view around Old Trafford that while the Nigerian is a stop-gap as the rebuilding process continues, Greenwood is the future at the club.