MANCHESTER UNITED legend Andy Cole does not think Mason Greenwood is cut out to be the club’s star centre forward.
Cole, the third-highest goalscorer in Premier League history, has fears over the pressure that comes with being the main man in attack for the Red Devils.
And although Greenwood is talented enough to play across the frontline, Cole believes his long-term future isn’t as a No9.
He told Premier League Productions: “I don’t actually think that Mase [Greenwood] wants to play as a centre forward.
“That is a difficult, difficult role – to be a No9… that’s pressure.
“If you play off the left or right that’s different, but being a No9 at Old Trafford [is tough].”
Cole instead named Erling Haaland and Harry Kane as two potential long-term successors to the No9 throne, although the latter is heavily linked with neighbours Man City.
But hasn’t ruled out a key role for Greenwood to play across the frontline.
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He continued: “I think with Mase’s talent he’s fortunate that he can play across the front line.
“But listening to some of the coaches, Fletch [Darren Fletcher], people like that who I speak to, I don’t think he’s fixed on becoming a No9.
“Like I said, No9 is tough, to be Manchester United’s No9 at that age is hard work.
“If you listen to the noises Ole’s making, come next season they may look to buy a [Erling] Haaland or a [Harry] Kane, if he’s still available.
If you play off the left or right that’s different, but being a No9 at Old Trafford [is tough].
Andy Cole
“They’re looking long-term, Mase won’t be a No9 but he’ll play. They want a No9.”
Greenwood got his 2021-22 Premier League campaign off to the perfect last last Saturday as he bagged himself a goal in the 5-1 win against Leeds, ironically playing as a No9.
The England international doesn’t agree with United legend Cole’s assessment, and insists he does want to be the focal point in attack.
But also conceded that he’s happy to play wherever the manager wants him to.
He told Stadium Astro: “Long-term I want to be in that No9 role but if I play on the right or in that No9 role wherever the manager picks me or tells me to play I’ll go out there and do my best.
“I like it in both areas, there’s no grey areas if I’m on the wing or up front they are basically the same for me I’m going out there playing football with a smile on my face.
“I just want to be the man scoring the goals, any young boy from the academy would say the same thing really, it’s just a role everyone wants to be in.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
