OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER had voiced his concerns that Marcus Rashford could burn-out before this game.
So he gave his 20-goal hitman a rest for this third round replay and gave teen ace Mason Greenwood his chance.
Teen striker Mason Greenwood struggled to get in the game, suggesting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is right not to rush him into more regular actionCredit: EPA
Mason Greenwood received scant service against Wolves but overall has an excellent return of nine goals this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
No doubt the decision was made with one eye on Sunday’s crunch trip to Anfield – but it may have back-fired with Rashford coming off the bench and lasting only 15 minutes.
Going in against the old enemy without their leading goalscorer would be unthinkable – the England ace has been their shining light this season.
But here was another opportunity for Greenwood to show he is worthy of a place ahead of Anthony Martial or Daniel James.
The 18-year-old was given a start for only the 12th time this season – but most of those have come in the cup competitions.
MUST DO MORE OUTSIDE THE BOX
But only two of those starts have come n the Premier League with another 15 appearances from the bench.
He also got the nod against Manchester City last week – and it was a similar story here to that night as he struggled to get involved in the game.
Solskjaer has talked about what a natural finisher the youngster is – and here he was starved of service.
Right now, he does not do enough outside the box to justify a place ahead of the other forwards at Solskjaer’s disposal.
One clever piece of link up play with Martial saw the French ace drag his shot wide but there was nothing much for him to feed off.
No doubt his time will come – his return of nine goals this season from his limited appearances shows why United fans are excited about him.
Old Trafford chief Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has rightly handled England U-21 striker Mason Greenwood cautiously so farCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But on Wednesday night he was given until just after the hour before the manager made the change – – throwing on Rashford and Andreas Pereira.
And the decision to leave on Martial proved to be the right one as three minutes later his pass sent Juan Mata clear to calmly put United in front.
By then Greenwood had taken his place back on the bench – and the chances are that’s where he will start on Sunday if United go along the M62 with a fully fit squad.
However the late injury to Rashford – who seemed to take a knock to the calf before heading straight down the tunnel – means he could yet be thrust into action.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
