Saints Marching
Fansided

Manchester United vs Southampton: Three Opposition Threats

By Alastair Case

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United congratulates Anthony Martial of Manchester United on scoring their sides third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on July 04, 2020 in Manchester, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Pool via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United congratulates Anthony Martial of Manchester United on scoring their sides third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on July 04, 2020 in Manchester, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Pool via Getty Images) /
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Mason Greenwood of Manchester United (Photo by Peter Powell/Pool via Getty Images)
Mason Greenwood of Manchester United (Photo by Peter Powell/Pool via Getty Images) /

Mason Greenwood

For those of a certain age, who used to play a certain football video game (if you know, you know), the comparisons between Mason Greenwood and former Brazilian striker Adriano’s shooting on said game, are sure to ring true. At the tender age of just 18 years old, the young United starlet has demonstrated star potential with a haul of 17 goals this season, including an impressive 9 league goals (source: WhoScored).

Greenwood possesses the capability to find the net from the unlikeliest of positions and creates goalscoring opportunities from nothing. There is a laudable simplicity to his game; an uncomplicated calmness which masks the extraordinary power that his shots emit. Part of the attacking triumvirate alongside fellow Englishman Marcus Rashford and the revitalised Anthony Martial, pundits have praised the potency of United’s forward line led by Greenwood.

United have had various teenage prodigies over the last few years (Federico Macheda anyone?) so it would be understandable if Greenwood was keen to shed the inevitable prodigy tag. One of Solskjaer’s strengths is his man management and he will be keen to shield the youngster from the hype generated by the press. What is certain is that Southampton’s defence cannot afford Greenwood space in or around the box, lest they get punished in clinical fashion.