Mason Greenwood on ‘Wayne Rooney level’, says Manchester United striking legend Andy Cole

Eighteen-year-old has scored 16 times and record five assists for the Red Devils’ first team this term

Mason Greenwood is showing parallels in potential to former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney, another attacking legend from the club’s past has said.

Andy Cole, who netted 93 times in 195 appearances for United, compared striker Greenwood to Rooney – the Red Devils’ all-time record goalscorer with 253 finishes – due to the 18-year-old’s recent performances.

Greenwood has scored 16 times and record five assists for the Red Devils’ first team this term, showing off his ruthlessness in front of goal with both feet.

“[He is] a special talent, he’ll get better and better,” Cole told The Athletic.

“He scores with his left foot and right foot. He has the potential to surpass Marcus [Rashford] and Anthony [Martial].

“I’m not even sure if he’s that fast, but 16 goals at 18 is incredible. When I was his age, I wasn’t close to Arsenal’s first team.

“This is Wazza [Rooney] level. He wasn’t even expected to be in the team this season.”

United take on West Ham at Old Trafford this evening, knowing that a win or draw would take them ahead of fourth-placed Leicester on points and goal difference ahead of a clash with the Foxes on the final day of the season.