Foto

Man Utd star has potential to be next Ryan Giggs for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - Paul Parker

Former Manchester United star Paul Parker thinks Mason Greenwood has the potential to be the club’s next Ryan Giggs. The teenager has scored an impressive 15 goals this season, recently notching a brace against Bournemouth. And Parker is expecting big things from the 18-year-old.

Related articles Man Utd closer than ever to Sancho transfer after Bournemouth win Man Utd boss Solskjaer has Koulibaly on list of four defensive targets “There hasn’t been a player for a long while who has made such a massive footprint of intent,” the former defender told the Talking Devils podcast.

“Maybe he’s the first since Ryan Giggs. People might say Paul Scholes and the others but people knew about them.

“Mason has been around but he’s suddenly come on.”

Parker thinks the lockdown period has made a huge difference for Greenwood, adding: “The lockdown period has made a huge difference.

“He now looks like a man. His body shape has changed… he looks more imposing.

“He is young but players know they can’t knock him around anymore. Someone could have told him to do it [bulk up] but you have to want to do it. He has.

Get

Related articles Man Utd: Rashford explains why Fernandes didn’t take Bournemouth pen Man Utd boss Solskjaer has academy talent ‘like Fernandes'

Man Utd have another Ryan Giggs on their hands, Paul Parker thinks (Image: GETTY) Related articles What Man Utd boss Solskjaer shouted at Martial after Bournemouth goal Man Utd working on two things with Mason Greenwood to elevate game READ MORE Man Utd boss Solskjaer may already possess perfect Ronaldo heir “And now he has the potential to be a player the likes of which United haven’t had since Ryan.”

Speaking after the match against Bournemouth, Solskjaer backed Greenwood to play for England - such is his astonishing ability and potential.

"When you play for Manchester United, I think that's a test that's good enough and difficult enough," said Solskajer.

"If you can handle playing for United, then you can handle playing for any team and Mason's got the qualities that not many others have.

"So he could play for England full team or the U21s, I don't really mind. I know he's doing well for us and it's great to have him here.

DON’T MISS

Man Utd have perfect player to offer Borussia Dortmund in Jadon Sancho transfer talks

Man Utd star Paul Pogba wants to stay at Old Trafford - EXCLUSIVE

Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have signed the next Nani

Related articles Man Utd may have four contenders for Giggs’ old No 11 shirt next term Man Utd 'agreeing' Sancho terms is bad news for two Solskjaer players

Man Utd star Mason Greenwood has flourished under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Image: GETTY) Related articles Man Utd carrying out discreet Sancho tests as Solskjaer eyes transfer What Man Utd chief Woodward thinks about Greenwood and Sancho READ MORE What Man Utd owners the Glazers think about selling Red Devils "Mason's a naturally good finisher, so he'll always score goals. He's a humble boy, he wants to learn, he listens and he works hard.

“Mason is one of the best if not the best finisher I have worked with and seen. He is so calm."

But Parker has urged caution, responding to those words by saying: “When you get a young player you give them a taste, then you see if you fancy them… then players need a chance to prove themselves, they need to know they’re going to play so they can get on with it.

“Now he’s doing well the press are already talking about him playing for England and I think that’s awful.

“The most important thing for him to do is to play well and to play regularly for his club.”

THINK YOU KNOW FOOTBALL? Football quiz questions and answers: 15 questions and answers for your home pub quiz

Related articles Man Utd star Juan Mata keen to leave Old Trafford this summer How Man Utd may line up under Solskjaer next season Greenwood has emerged as Solskjaer’s favourite choice for the right wing - an area the club have struggled with since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.

But despite the youngster’s exploits, they still want to land Jadon Sancho when the transfer window reopens.

Recent reports have suggested they’d have to pay £108million to sign the 20-year-old - which would make him the most-expensive signing in their history.

Yet with Greenwood in such fine form and fettle, whether they chose to fork out on Sancho remains to be seen.

Other targets for the club include Jack Grealish and Kalidou Koulibaly with the likes of Milan Skriniar, Dayot Upamecano and Joe Rodon linked as well.

THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz