Solskjaer compares Man Utd prodigy to Ryan Giggs

Ian Watson

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised Mason Greenwood and compared the teenage star’s development to that of Ryan Giggs following Manchester United’s friendly win against Inter Milan.

A sell-out crowd at Singapore’s National Stadium witnessed an intense friendly between Romelu Lukaku’s current and prospective employers as the striker watched on from the sidelines.

United outplayed Inter for the most part and finally made the breakthrough after Solskjaer made 10 changes with a third of the International Champions Cup encounter remaining.

Eyebrows were raised when Ashley Young was booed upon his introduction in Singapore, although his free-kick hushed his vocal critics and resulted in Greenwood scoring his second goal in as many games.

The 17-year-old showed great composure before slamming home to seal a 1-0 win and hit the crossbar as the clock wound down.

“The kid’s only 17 and he’s learning everyday training with these boys,” Solskjaer said.

“He’s been with us the last few months and he’s grown in confidence, grown in stature and, as I’ve said before, when you’ve got players who perform it’s difficult to keep them out.

“But we’ve got to keep our feet on the ground with him as well because he’s only 17 and there’ll be ups and downs, but at the moment he’s enjoying his football.”

Asked if he had considered sending the teenager on loan this season, the Norwegian made a comparison to Sir Alex Ferguson’s treatment of United great.

“No, Mason’s never been on my mind to send out on loan,” Solskjaer said. “He’s one we have to keep at our place, keep him and play him when we feel it’s good for him and at the moment he’s flying.

“He reminds me a little bit about the Giggsy story, that you can’t really send him on loan. For me, he’s ready to be in this squad.”

Manchester United Mason Greenwood

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