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2021-22 Performances


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Adam-Utd

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How has he, as a 20 year old not developed? Go on.
He doesn't look any better than when he first got into the team, I think that's the point.

If anything his shooting has gone down hill, he doesn't use his right foot as much as he used to. People expected a little more by now but he shows it in patches like his goal against Leicester.
 

OTRightWinger07

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hopefully rangnick starts using him as CF more often. i would also trust him as a SS in a 4-4-2.

he clearly isnt a RW
 

edcunited1878

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He doesn't look any better than when he first got into the team, I think that's the point.

If anything his shooting has gone down hill, he doesn't use his right foot as much as he used to. People expected a little more by now but he shows it in patches like his goal against Leicester.
That's a bunch of crap. He first entered the first team during Ole's interim stage. Then the first season included Project Restart, where he physically improved and had an overperforming goal record that was unsustainable.

People don't know what expectations and growth is if it hit them in the face. Mason has had some knocks and now Covid layoff recently, but he's also got a lot more competition in the team too.

He doesn't have to shoot on sight and he is still learning how to pick and choose his spots to shoot and when to release passes for this teammates. Cutting down on his stepovers and being more direct and purposeful in the box is something he has to learn to do and trust himself for the greater good of the team.

A 20 year old kid who has done really well so far and will only get better because he has the technical ability to do so.
 

Adam-Utd

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That's a bunch of crap. He first entered the first team during Ole's interim stage. Then the first season included Project Restart, where he physically improved and had an overperforming goal record that was unsustainable.

People don't know what expectations and growth is if it hit them in the face. Mason has had some knocks and now Covid layoff recently, but he's also got a lot more competition in the team too.

He doesn't have to shoot on sight and he is still learning how to pick and choose his spots to shoot and when to release passes for this teammates. Cutting down on his stepovers and being more direct and purposeful in the box is something he has to learn to do and trust himself for the greater good of the team.

A 20 year old kid who has done really well so far and will only get better because he has the technical ability to do so.
it really isn’t to be honest. what’s he got better at apart from physical attibutes?

go back and watch his debut against cardiff and he looks just as good if not better in that performance.

Don’t get me wrong i’m not saying he’s bad or anything but he’s not quite turned into the star that I expected yet. The things he was doing at youth level really made me think we had the next best striker around.
 

edcunited1878

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it really isn’t to be honest. what’s he got better at apart from physical attibutes?

go back and watch his debut against cardiff and he looks just as good if not better in that performance.

Don’t get me wrong i’m not saying he’s bad or anything but he’s not quite turned into the star that I expected yet. The things he was doing at youth level really made me think we had the next best striker around.
He's 20 years old...and being a star means he's starting week in, week out for club and country. What 20 year old is a bona fide star? Very, very few. That does not mean he's scoring every week either, but his overall contribution to the team as well. He's improved on that, but still a lot to grow and that is totally acceptable for a 20 year old forward who has to compete for places.

Mason was doing silly things at youth level, but remember, he bypassed any initial senior football (i.e. loan within the PL or other leagues) to go straight into United's first team. He's still learning the game, his opponents, himself, and his teammates.

His long term position will be as a right forward or center forward. How he can float around the attacking forward line depends on team tactics. He's shown glimpses of good build up play, keeping possession in the middle of the park, passing/crossing into dangerous areas. If Sancho hits form and is effective, he'll play. That eats into Mason's playing time, however it will be up to Ralf to setup the team with the most effective players.
 

shamans

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He hasn't developed as much as he should have by now and our coaches are to blame. I hope Ralf gets him back on track.
This is why I laugh when anyone credits Ole for blooding in Mason Greenwood. Ole has used this boys raw talent as a means to bail out of situations and given nothing back to him. He's still the same as he was few years ago.
 

shamans

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He's 20 years old...and being a star means he's starting week in, week out for club and country. What 20 year old is a bona fide star? Very, very few. That does not mean he's scoring every week either, but his overall contribution to the team as well. He's improved on that, but still a lot to grow and that is totally acceptable for a 20 year old forward who has to compete for places.

Mason was doing silly things at youth level, but remember, he bypassed any initial senior football (i.e. loan within the PL or other leagues) to go straight into United's first team. He's still learning the game, his opponents, himself, and his teammates.

His long term position will be as a right forward or center forward. How he can float around the attacking forward line depends on team tactics. He's shown glimpses of good build up play, keeping possession in the middle of the park, passing/crossing into dangerous areas. If Sancho hits form and is effective, he'll play. That eats into Mason's playing time, however it will be up to Ralf to setup the team with the most effective players.
Mason is an incredible talent, but what has he actually gotten better at? I'm not blaming Mason. I hope Ragnick can take him to that next level. Also, you can't say "what 20 year old is a bona fide stay?" with regards to Mason. You could easily argue, which 20 year old has the talent and ability of Mason Greenwood?

Of course, he can't be a star so soon but there has to be some improvement. This kid, for the talent he has, should be on the Haaland trajectory.
 

Rajma

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it really isn’t to be honest. what’s he got better at apart from physical attibutes?

go back and watch his debut against cardiff and he looks just as good if not better in that performance.

Don’t get me wrong i’m not saying he’s bad or anything but he’s not quite turned into the star that I expected yet. The things he was doing at youth level really made me think we had the next best striker around.
Totally agree though I think he’s someone who lacked a real guidance from a top coach. I think Ole was too nice with him and playing to his ego didn’t help his development and work ethic. That’s why I’m excited about Ralf coming in here as he won’t accept half arsed performances. I think if Greenwood applies himself well he will unlock his full potential.
 

edcunited1878

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Mason is an incredible talent, but what has he actually gotten better at? I'm not blaming Mason. I hope Ragnick can take him to that next level. Also, you can't say "what 20 year old is a bona fide stay?" with regards to Mason. You could easily argue, which 20 year old has the talent and ability of Mason Greenwood?

Of course, he can't be a star so soon but there has to be some improvement. This kid, for the talent he has, should be on the Haaland trajectory.
Haaland has benefitted from playing in a clear position for 4 consecutive years. His path has been clear cut. Mason's path hasn't been that way because he's been competing with other players at a higher level and most importantly, he hasn't played nor been relied upon as much. And that's fair.

Nobody should be blaming Mason, Ole, or anyone. His growth as a player has been noticeable and yet he hasn't had a season long run within the team at the moment. Still learning what it means to be a professional and apply his talents every day. His ability continues to improve, mature, and evolve. If he gets a run as a central striker, similar to what people have mentioned about Ralf's implementation of a 4-2-2-2, then that can be something to look forward to.
 

captaincantona

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Each to their own...but I see things much differently...

I see a young forward who has taken on more responsibility in the team, who calls for the ball in tight spaces; who drives forwardwith confidence; who is actually quite clever when he has runners around him; and who can finish.

But I also see him in a team with no structure and no wide support from a players he can develop an understanding with...I see him being encouraged to shoot on sight by a coach and copping flak for carrying out orders (Ole is actually on video telling his players to shoot on sight - watch it and tell me it was Greenwood going rogue taking all those shots against the managers orders to slow the game down and pass instead! It doesn’t make sense.) He has done nothing wrong for me in being selfish and backing himself to score because for the majority of his senior career - he has found the net.

Two points, One he is defensively naive and that needs to be addressed. Two, be honest with yourselves...lets just say, those games earlier in the season (West Ham etc.) where he was shooting every time he got the ball...maybe 3 games he has been visibly / overly selfish...if even 2 or 3 of those shots go in...we are not in this thread talking about him not progressing- we are back calling him generational! For the sake of 2 or 3 goals?is the gap between progressing poorly and generational talent so marginal?

My point is being a striker/goal scorer is fickle and no great Goal scorer (Freakshow Haaland aside) is scoring for fun at 19. It’s fits and starts, purple patches and dry spells...this can’t be confused with lack of progress.
 

TrustInJanuzaj

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Each to their own...but I see things much differently...

I see a young forward who has taken on more responsibility in the team, who calls for the ball in tight spaces; who drives forwardwith confidence; who is actually quite clever when he has runners around him; and who can finish.

But I also see him in a team with no structure and no wide support from a players he can develop an understanding with...I see him being encouraged to shoot on sight by a coach and copping flak for carrying out orders (Ole is actually on video telling his players to shoot on sight - watch it and tell me it was Greenwood going rogue taking all those shots against the managers orders to slow the game down and pass instead! It doesn’t make sense.) He has done nothing wrong for me in being selfish and backing himself to score because for the majority of his senior career - he has found the net.

Two points, One he is defensively naive and that needs to be addressed. Two, be honest with yourselves...lets just say, those games earlier in the season (West Ham etc.) where he was shooting every time he got the ball...maybe 3 games he has been visibly / overly selfish...if even 2 or 3 of those shots go in...we are not in this thread talking about him not progressing- we are back calling him generational! For the sake of 2 or 3 goals?is the gap between progressing poorly and generational talent so marginal?

My point is being a striker/goal scorer is fickle and no great Goal scorer (Freakshow Haaland aside) is scoring for fun at 19. It’s fits and starts, purple patches and dry spells...this can’t be confused with lack of progress.
Great post and glad that someone can see it for how it really is. Some baffling stuff posted in this thread. It’s clear that he’s progressed massively since he first came into the team I don’t even see how that’s disputable.
 

Bebestation

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The thing about Greenwood for me is that he broke through to the first team with a lot of hype. At one point some were not too bothered about Haaland because we had Greenwood.

Whilst he has time on his hands, he has not been at a level that you can say - you know what this player is going to be one of the best in his position of the whole league.

Is this RW version who we develop and hope he one day plays the RW better than Salah is playing now? I don't particularly see it.

Sure, we can stall fhis new position experience but that is ultimately a whole year out of his career maybe even more. Not only that, players like Rashford, Sancho, Bruno, Shaw don't know how they have to adapt the game towards this type of striker.

I was looking forward to focusing on a young front line this season and get that going even if we didn't win shit, now we are no where near and using experienced players to get us out of this slump.
 

Adam-Utd

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@captaincantona

He's certainly become more of a team player but it feels like it's taken away some of his natural mercurial talent. He used to glide around the pitch with the ball and stick it deep into the corner of the goal. I just don’t see that side of him enough lately.
Great post and glad that someone can see it for how it really is. Some baffling stuff posted in this thread. It’s clear that he’s progressed massively since he first came into the team I don’t even see how that’s disputable.
massively is a huge over exaggeration. He was already very capable of doing everything he does now, he’s just got more of a mans body.

This is a kid that was doing roulettes past Skriniar in his first pre season ffs!

Considering the level he showed at 16/17 I do think he’s progressing a bit slower than many of us hoped. I don’t think playing him on the wing has helped him hone the right skills really.

let’s not forget the likes of rooney, mbappe, haaland, benzema, owen, fowler etc all played as a striker from 18+ Y/O, but for some reason we stick him on the wing.

Is he a good young player right now? definitely. Is he looking generational that we hoped/expected? debatable right now. Let’s hope we get the right coaches in the next few years and he balloons.
 

Andersons Dietician

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@captaincantona

He's certainly become more of a team player but it feels like it's taken away some of his natural mercurial talent. He used to glide around the pitch with the ball and stick it deep into the corner of the goal. I just don’t see that side of him enough lately.

massively is a huge over exaggeration. He was already very capable of doing everything he does now, he’s just got more of a mans body.

This is a kid that was doing roulettes past Skriniar in his first pre season ffs!

Considering the level he showed at 16/17 I do think he’s progressing a bit slower than many of us hoped. I don’t think playing him on the wing has helped him hone the right skills really.

let’s not forget the likes of rooney, mbappe, haaland, benzema, owen, fowler etc all played as a striker from 18+ Y/O, but for some reason we stick him on the wing.

Is he a good young player right now? definitely. Is he looking generational that we hoped/expected? debatable right now. Let’s hope we get the right coaches in the next few years and he balloons.
I was watching Scholes and I think Rio speaking about United not long ago and actaully Scholes has said this more than once that he has heard Greenwood does not want to be a striker and prefers playing as a wide forward.

I do think there have been massive improvements beyond him just filling out myself. More the things he does in game and how much he becomes involved in matches now compared to when he first broke in to the first 11.

I think in that aspect there have been huge improvements to his game but the goal scoring or getting in to those good positions seems to have stagnated. I’ll be interested to see how he goes under Ragnick as you would think quick transitions high up the pitch would get the best out of him. See how he takes to pressing and the workrate and understanding needed for it.

Lets face it as well, if he was playing for Dortmund or something in the Bundesliga he’d be scoring goals for fun there and we’d all be unzipping at any news of possible interest.
 

Ole'sgunnarwin

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We've too many attacking players. It's a big issue. When Ole started we had Martial, Rashford and Lingard with Pogba in behind. All 4 are still there. We now have Bruno, Sancho, Cavani, Mata (pointless) and Diallo as well as Greenwood. Because we have so many bad defenders/midfielders and we get so many bad results, everything changes. There's no consistency with tactics or team selections. That's a big job for Ragnick, he's going to have to keep some big names on the bench, choose his best style and find out what his best 11 is.

As we have so many players, Greenwood is going to find it more difficult to develop. This whole narrative that he'll learn from Cavani and Ronaldo. It's a nonsense. He''ll learn by playing and he's going to find it very hard to get in the team.
 

MasterCode

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I was watching Scholes and I think Rio speaking about United not long ago and actaully Scholes has said this more than once that he has heard Greenwood does not want to be a striker and prefers playing as a wide forward.

I do think there have been massive improvements beyond him just filling out myself. More the things he does in game and how much he becomes involved in matches now compared to when he first broke in to the first 11.

I think in that aspect there have been huge improvements to his game but the goal scoring or getting in to those good positions seems to have stagnated. I’ll be interested to see how he goes under Ragnick as you would think quick transitions high up the pitch would get the best out of him. See how he takes to pressing and the workrate and understanding needed for it.

Lets face it as well, if he was playing for Dortmund or something in the Bundesliga he’d be scoring goals for fun there and we’d all be unzipping at any news of possible interest.
It's funny almost anybody who is close to the club. Blackmore, Irwin, Sherignham, Rio, Scholes all say he is not a pure number 9. However because we bought shiney new Sancho, people will lie and say he hasn't kicked on since his debut. Which is nonsense. He isn't a wide player he's a no 9, (actually he's a modern day forward player). I get tired of defending him on here. But I wish Sancho fans would stop trying to hurt Mason's perception or performances in order to justify Sancho on the right.

I could sit down and poke holes in Sancho's Chelsea performance (outside the goal) but I like Sancho it's not neccesary.

Greenwood is a phenomonal forward talent probably the best youngster (U23) at our club, stats prove it. Double digits in goals in th English Premier League, two seasons in a row since 18 and more than likely this one too.

It's weird you speak to a lot of rival fans at games or wherever they all mention Greenwood's name first. "You got some player on your hands, you lot ought to be focusing on him, forget Ronaldo, forget Sancho he's your future." I respond they're all important. Opposition fans see it but ours don't seem to want to see it.

Our fans talk a lot of rubbish about Greenwood and say stupid stuff (he hasn't kicked on, he's one dimensional, etc). Am I saying Greenwood is the perfect player? No, but to go on like he's not personally having a great season is what baffles me. IMO he's got the highest ceiling at the club above Rashford, Sancho etc that's not knocking Sancho and Rashford. Marcus is probably one of my favourite players. But Mason is playing levels above a lot of his peers - Bar Foden, I find it hard to place any other youngsters near him.
 
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Mr PG

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Mason has been very good. Takes exceptional care of the ball and our forward players should really be Sancho on the left and Mason on the right. Ralf will help the team learn how to knit the play together and create way more chances and Mason will see his scoring stats go through the roof.
 

stoinz

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Is he still out for the Arsenal game?
I thought he has progress very well in the last couple of years. He is now more involved in the game. His numbers has went down somewhat but I think this is due to the team not playing as well.
Of cos if you compare him with Haaland, it seems he has not progress at all. I always thought Greenwood is progressing towards a more Messi type forward- in which he can create, link up well and score - than a pure goal scorer. Even without Ronaldo in our team, I don't think he will be our number 9. The ones he is contesting with are Sancho, Rashford, Martial.
Assuming Sancho continues his trajectory and Rashford continues his downwards trajectory, our future front 3 should be Greenwood - New Striker - Sancho.
 

The United

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He probably does not prefer as no 9 himself because obviously, let's face it he is still very young for that position physically and maybe mentally at this moment.

He should keep playing on the right or left for this season at least. There should be no hurrying with no 9 position for him at all.
 

Marcus

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He probably does not prefer as no 9 himself because obviously, let's face it he is still very young for that position physically and maybe mentally at this moment.

He should keep playing on the right or left for this season at least. There should be no hurrying with no 9 position for him at all.
I think his heading ability is suspect. He is basically no threat in the air compared to our other no. 9s, like Cavani and Ronaldo. Even Martial seems better than him in the air. Until he improves, it is hard to see him being a total success in that CF position.
 

Bebestation

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I think his heading ability is suspect. He is basically no threat in the air compared to our other no. 9s, like Cavani and Ronaldo. Even Martial seems better than him in the air. Until he improves, it is hard to see him being a total success in that CF position.
I agree with his heading but one thing I've noticed even more is that he can look a bit 'stuck in the crowd' when central. There's not enough involvement as a player yet when in the role of a striker; not enough back to goal hold up play, not got the run ins behind right yet nor the dropping deep to get the ball to feet and as you said his heading. Ofcourse he is a young chap, but I'd like to see if he can show some signs of it atleast, not be the end product by any means.

It's why I wish we could give him 6 months to try it out as a striker, seeing if that's his position by managing to get some improvements to his game. Whilst it's early it should give us the ability work out whether being a striker or an inverted forward is best and what does come most natural to him including his own preferences.
 

MattJ166

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The thing about Greenwood for me is that he broke through to the first team with a lot of hype. At one point some were not too bothered about Haaland because we had Greenwood.

Whilst he has time on his hands, he has not been at a level that you can say - you know what this player is going to be one of the best in his position of the whole league.

Is this RW version who we develop and hope he one day plays the RW better than Salah is playing now? I don't particularly see it.

Sure, we can stall fhis new position experience but that is ultimately a whole year out of his career maybe even more. Not only that, players like Rashford, Sancho, Bruno, Shaw don't know how they have to adapt the game towards this type of striker.

I was looking forward to focusing on a young front line this season and get that going even if we didn't win shit, now we are no where near and using experienced players to get us out of this slump.

Aye but I bet if you were asked if a 20 year old Salah will play the RW as good or better than current Salah you would have been quick to laugh as such a suggestion. Patience is required , we're not Chelsea we don't just discard our players just because they don't turn into world-beaters immediately.

I agree regarding the use of a young dynamic line as opposed to the one we are currently operating with but the truth of the matter is that they're the ones who are most likely to help us get out of the slump as one is the greatest goal scorer in the history of the game and the other is an absolute pressing machine.
 

AjaxCunian

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@captaincantona

He's certainly become more of a team player but it feels like it's taken away some of his natural mercurial talent. He used to glide around the pitch with the ball and stick it deep into the corner of the goal. I just don’t see that side of him enough lately.

massively is a huge over exaggeration. He was already very capable of doing everything he does now, he’s just got more of a mans body.

This is a kid that was doing roulettes past Skriniar in his first pre season ffs!

Considering the level he showed at 16/17 I do think he’s progressing a bit slower than many of us hoped. I don’t think playing him on the wing has helped him hone the right skills really.

let’s not forget the likes of rooney, mbappe, haaland, benzema, owen, fowler etc all played as a striker from 18+ Y/O, but for some reason we stick him on the wing.

Is he a good young player right now? definitely. Is he looking generational that we hoped/expected? debatable right now. Let’s hope we get the right coaches in the next few years and he balloons.
I think he barely performs better than his debut game vs Cardiff, which is still his most threatening game for me where he really translated his youth form vs a PL opponent though they were probably awful.

He has probably gotten stronger, gotten faster, has improved his hold-up play, better at keeping the ball in tight situations in the build up, and a bit safer.


But that full debut, he was full of trying to score, he was a lot more versatile in ways to attack, made more use of his two feet, much better off the ball runs, taking on defenders, switching to the left flank. His finishing was poor that day but that was uncharacteristic of him, it makes me excited watching it because I know what he's got in his locker. He did fairly well in 19/20 and ending of 20/21 under Ole, but he's capable of much much more.
 

Tallis

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His all round play is much better. He holds on the ball much better than he used to when he first started. I saw a stat that he gave the ball away the least of any of of our attacking players You could argue that his finishing hasn’t improved much since he first broke though but I am not sure there is much scope for signficant improvement given it was already at such a good level.

In summary, he has developed. Needs to consolidate the number 9 role over the next 18 months (if not as the first choice, at least as a reliable alternative).
 

Adam-Utd

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I think he barely performs better than his debut game vs Cardiff, which is still his most threatening game for me where he really translated his youth form vs a PL opponent though they were probably awful.

He has probably gotten stronger, gotten faster, has improved his hold-up play, better at keeping the ball in tight situations in the build up, and a bit safer.


But that full debut, he was full of trying to score, he was a lot more versatile in ways to attack, made more use of his two feet, much better off the ball runs, taking on defenders, switching to the left flank. His finishing was poor that day but that was uncharacteristic of him, it makes me excited watching it because I know what he's got in his locker. He did fairly well in 19/20 and ending of 20/21 under Ole, but he's capable of much much more.
Agreed. I think people forget just what a good performance that was. Full of confidence and expression.

I feel he's been turned more robotic. People in this thread seem to be thinking im suggesting he's rubbish now which isn't the case. He's clearly still very talented, but I don't think he's got a LOT better in 2 years. His link up play has always been great, his finishing ability was always amazing on both feet.

My point was he seems to be doing less things now than he did before. Maybe that's the pressure of the being in the spotlight or playing in the PL.
 

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Why do some fans feel the need to put down one player in other to elevate another, when Greenwood first broke in he usually just had one moment in games, the moment he gets the ball cuts in and score, now he gets more involve in the overall play, he isn't there yet but he is still only 20, this season alone he has bailed us out a good number of time.
I like Sancho playing on the right, I feel he is more effective in this area, its good we have them both, the competition is a good thing and they're both versatile enough to play together.
 

romufc

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The biggest problem Greenwood has at the moment is his workrate, its really poor.

I see players like Foden, Mount and others who are now established. Greenwood will play in the front line, he needs to have a better attitude.
 

AjaxCunian

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Agreed. I think people forget just what a good performance that was. Full of confidence and expression.

I feel he's been turned more robotic. People in this thread seem to be thinking im suggesting he's rubbish now which isn't the case. He's clearly still very talented, but I don't think he's got a LOT better in 2 years. His link up play has always been great, his finishing ability was always amazing on both feet.

My point was he seems to be doing less things now than he did before. Maybe that's the pressure of the being in the spotlight or playing in the PL.
Agreed, he became robotic quite early in 19/20, just looking for the low shot at the edge of the box. He has varied things a bit more again but still nowhere near enough.
 

The United

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I agree with his heading but one thing I've noticed even more is that he can look a bit 'stuck in the crowd' when central. There's not enough involvement as a player yet when in the role of a striker; not enough back to goal hold up play, not got the run ins behind right yet nor the dropping deep to get the ball to feet and as you said his heading. Ofcourse he is a young chap, but I'd like to see if he can show some signs of it atleast, not be the end product by any means.

It's why I wish we could give him 6 months to try it out as a striker, seeing if that's his position by managing to get some improvements to his game. Whilst it's early it should give us the ability work out whether being a striker or an inverted forward is best and what does come most natural to him including his own preferences.
No reason to rush him as I said.

If playing him at 9 had bad effects for him, you would be ruining one of the best talents from our academy. It is one of the hardest position to play and he is no Ronney.

There is absolutely no reason to try that too often this season with the options we have.
 

Andersons Dietician

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It's funny almost anybody who is close to the club. Blackmore, Irwin, Sherignham, Rio, Scholes all say he is not a pure number 9. However because we bought shiney new Sancho, people will lie and say he hasn't kicked on since his debut. Which is nonsense. He isn't a wide player he's a no 9, (actually he's a modern day forward player). I get tired of defending him on here. But I wish Sancho fans would stop trying to hurt Mason's perception or performances in order to justify Sancho on the right.

I could sit down and poke holes in Sancho's Chelsea performance (outside the goal) but I like Sancho it's not neccesary.

Greenwood is a phenomonal forward talent probably the best youngster (U23) at our club, stats prove it. Double digits in goals in th English Premier League, two seasons in a row since 18 and more than likely this one too.

It's weird you speak to a lot of rival fans at games or wherever they all mention Greenwood's name first. "You got some player on your hands, you lot ought to be focusing on him, forget Ronaldo, forget Sancho he's your future." I respond they're all important. Opposition fans see it but ours don't seem to want to see it.

Our fans talk a lot of rubbish about Greenwood and say stupid stuff (he hasn't kicked on, he's one dimensional, etc). Am I saying Greenwood is the perfect player? No, but to go on like he's not personally having a great season is what baffles me. IMO he's got the highest ceiling at the club above Rashford, Sancho etc that's not knocking Sancho and Rashford. Marcus is probably one of my favourite players. But Mason is playing levels above a lot of his peers - Bar Foden, I find it hard to place any other youngsters near him.
Can’t say I’ve seen a specific sect targeting Mason or using Sancho as a reason for it. Surely given performances this season the best front 3 is Sancho Ronaldo Greenwood. Sancho off the left where I expect he’ll end up back quite soon as soon as Mason is fit.

I see him more as a wide forward and if we were to try and force him as a 9 it wouldn’t have worked with our style of play as he’s still developing and so far not really had the opport unity to show he can play with his back to goal. That’s what I often here pundits mention.

Me personally wide forward is probably his best position and in his younger years Aguero even played there so I can’t see how it would do any harm to Greenwood.
 

united for life

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Hope to see more of him going forward. He started the season well and is currently better than rashford
 

Poborsky's hair

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Funnily he had 3/3 as a forward when we started season, only to be shifted wide, and the goals naturally dried up in a dysfunctiaonal system with Ronaldo being the magnet of all our effort. He also seemed the fittest player in the squad in the opening games and his workrate seemed fine, at least he looked much stronger, and that's facts. His allround play also got better. I don't know why this forum never gives a breather to a young player who they hyped up too much and expecting unrealistic things in the first place. He was scoring chances he shouldn't be. At some point he was scoring some individual goals with a 10 times better rate than the likes of Townsend or other more established forward in the league at the age of 18/19. Let's wait for him when he gets a full support and palys in a functional team.

Also so frustrating this forum with injured players, the more they are out the more they become shit.
 

Marwood

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Up front vs Young Boys please with Sancho on the right. Want to see them two together.
 

In Rainbows

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Agreed. I think people forget just what a good performance that was. Full of confidence and expression.

I feel he's been turned more robotic. People in this thread seem to be thinking im suggesting he's rubbish now which isn't the case. He's clearly still very talented, but I don't think he's got a LOT better in 2 years. His link up play has always been great, his finishing ability was always amazing on both feet.

My point was he seems to be doing less things now than he did before. Maybe that's the pressure of the being in the spotlight or playing in the PL.
I think the problem is, is that you are conflating that starting debut as his debut full season. Which is not the case (in terms of overall play). He was a lot more reserved after that performance you used as an example. He tended to stay out wide and only when given a chance, would score. His link up play has been visibly improved and he can play in tighter areas. So I don't think it's fair to label it as a case of him just getting stronger.
 
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