Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has praised Mason Greenwood for his displays and drew comparisons with Erling Haaland.
Manchester United have looked well-balanced since the appointment of Ralf Rangnick. With the German present in the stands since signing his contract with the club, they beat Arsenal, before he oversaw a victory over Crystal Palace and the draw with Young Boys in their final Champions League group game.
Mason Greenwood took the spotlight after a well-taken goal against Young Boys to open the scoring. The youngster was also instrumental last weekend, providing the assist to Fred, who scored the match’s only goal against Crystal Palace.
The striker has made a big impact in both games Rangnick has managed from the touchline, thus earning the praise of his manager. The German tactician was quick to big up Greenwood’s talent, although he suggested that the forward needs to develop more physical attributes to succeed.
Rangnick’s comments appeared on the Mirror, as he praised ‘brilliant talent’ Greenwood. He said, “He’s a massive talent — left foot, right foot, good on the ball. Also, the way that he set up the goal for Fred on Sunday, so it’s about continuity. He has to develop physically, but technically for his age, he is a great player. My job is to develop him, to make an athlete out of him and if he manages to do that, he can be become a regular player for this club.”
Rangnick, however, drew the line when it came to comparison with Erling Haaland, who continues to attract the attention of some big clubs for his exploits in front of goal. In hindsight, the Norwegian has already proven himself to be a world-class talent who will probably play for a new club next season.
In comparison between Greenwood and Haaland, Rangnick said, “They are a different kind of striker. Erling, for me, is a target striker, who can play as a single striker like a target man or together with another striker in a 4-4-2. I think Mason is more of a nine-and-a-half. He can play as a striker, he can also come from the wing, he can play together with another striker and he’s very technical. Left foot, right foot.”
“And as I said, sometimes he looks a bit, not on an athletic level. I think we have to develop him there physically, but technically all the things that he can do with the ball are outstanding. So, I am not so much worried about his technical level. We need to develop him physically and mentally to become the strongest.”
The key right now for Greenwood is to concentrate on his game and raise his levels in the weeks, months and years to come. If he does so, the English ace will become a major asset for Manchester United for several seasons.
