‘He tries to copy me’ – Van Persie makes strange assessment of Greenwood
Football
By
Robert Abong'o
| Dec 17, 2019
Since his inception into the Manchester United senior squad, it is safe to say Mason Greenwood has been a joy to watch.
From his playing technique to his finishing, the 18-year-old has done nothing but move crowds in stadiums whenever he has taken to the pitch for the Red Devils.
Much recently, he was the hero in Man United’s 1-1- draw with Everton, scoring a crucial equaliser 13 minutes before full time.
Greenwood was also the star of the show when Man United put four past Dutch surprise package AZ Alkmaar, bagging a brace in the second half to lead his side to a comfortable 4-0 win.
His style of play and his deadly left foot have left fans no other choice but to compare him to former Arsenal and Man United striker Robin Van Persie.
READ MORE
Ngugi wa Thiong'o and the African literary revolution
Tanzania doctor describes bodies taken from morgue as fresh protests loom
Van Persie, who led Man United to a Premier League title during Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season at Old Trafford, possessed several attributes as a player, including a deadly left foot and a wicked technique.
Greenwood also exhibits the same. Just like Van Persie, he is notorious for cutting inside from the right and striking the ball into the bottom corner, something the Old Trafford faithful believe ‘ring many bells’ about a striker they used to have.
Solskjaer has recently heaped praise on Greenwood and has more than once considered him one of the best finishers he’s seen at the club.
“Mason Greenwood is different class in and around the box. You’re not surprised when he scores goals. It’s fitting that it should be an academy player that scores in the 4,000th match and it makes it hard for me to leave him out,” said Solskjaer during the post-match press conference after the Everton draw.
Van Persie was questioned on Europa League’s official Instagram account about Greenwood’s qualities and here’s what he had to say:
"I think he will be very good because during every game he tries to copy me. My style, my technique, my left foot, my way of finishing. I'm sure he will end up there,” said the former Dutch striker.
???? pic.twitter.com/5W6qTHp0vd — Tilly (@MufcTilly) December 16, 2019