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.

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:

And, this. for context:

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

More praises for the boy prodigy:

And a bit of history:

 

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.