Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Mason Greenwood has ‘grown up’ and is now ‘more mature’

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has urged Mason Greenwood to build on his performance in Manchester United’s FA Cup win over Liverpool, warning that progress “will not happen by itself.”

Greenwood’s draw in a 3-2 win at Old Trafford on Sunday was his first goal in 11 appearances since scoring at West Ham in early December. The youngster also provided an assist for Marcus Rashford as United rallied for a fifth-round spot.

Greenwood has had a difficult time following his great season at United after he was kicked out of the England team following his senior debut in Iceland for inviting girls to the team’s hotel, and also censured by United for his attitude at the training ground.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer urged Mason Greenwood to build on his performance in FA Cup victory

However, Solskjaer believes the 19-year-old is maturing and picking up good habits from veteran forward Edinson Cavani.

“We think Mason is going to be very important in the second half of the season, but it is not going to happen on its own because he played well and scored,” said the United manager.

“He scored against West Ham a while ago and was expected to keep going. He has taken steps, he has grown, he is more mature and he has been training with Edinson Cavani for half a season.

It was Greenwood’s first goal in 11 appearances since he scored at West Ham in early December.

Greenwood has had a difficult time after his great season at Man United

‘You are learning new habits. Whoever does not learn from a professional like him or Bruno or the players we have brought is a shame. I’m very confident that Mason will contribute with good performances, goals and assists.

“When a forward Edinson’s age runs almost 12 km, he chases every time the center-back has the ball, every time the goalkeeper has the ball, he attacks the midfielders.

He made a mistake on Liverpool’s second goal, but came closer to recovering it in his own 18-yard box. His reaction, pace of work and habits, his threat at the checkout, humility, coming every day to do your best. He has taught each and every one of us a lesson.

Rashford limped out of the game with a sore knee, but scans have shown only minor bruises, and Solskjaer hopes the forward is fit to face Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

Solskjaer Believes Greenwood Has ‘Matured’ Since He Was Sent Home From International Service

Says Greenwood is picking up good habits from veteran forward Edinson Cavani (above)

Marcus is available, yes. He trained this morning and is available for selection. He pinched his knee a bit, but he trained fully this morning.

The match sees the top of the table against the last team, but Solskjaer insists United will stand their ground despite their position and the cup win over champions Liverpool.

“We don’t get carried away,” he said. ‘We know that we have to achieve consistency in results and performances. The two leading teams in the league in the last three seasons (Liverpool and Man City) have been incredible in their consistency.

In many other seasons you would have won the league by 15-20 points less. We know it’s the beginning of something, we just want to be competitive and keep improving. ‘