Mason Greenwood is Manchester United’s ‘best finisher’ and should be first choice, says Paul Scholes

The teenager hasn’t been on top form all season but has returned to the side recently

(Manchester United via Getty Imag)

Mason Greenwood should be the regular centre-forward at the club, says former Manchester United star Paul Scholes, as he’s the option with the best finishing ability at Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old has spent much of his time in the first-team set-up playing from the right, where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has largely had a rotating cast to choose from rather than a single guaranteed starter.

Other players such as Marcus Rashford and Dan James, who played there and scored in the 4-0 win over Real Sociedad on Thursday night, have also filled that role, while Greenwood returned to playing up front in the Europa League.

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He didn’t find the back of the net on that occasion and has only managed one Premier League goal this season, four in all competitions, but Scholes says he should be the Red Devils’ regular starter going forward, picking him ahead of Rashford - even though it has been mostly Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani who have actually played there this term.

“It’s between Rashford and Greenwood who plays in that centre-forward role,” Scholes said on BT Sport.

“I think the club and everybody thinks Greenwood is the best finisher at the club so therefore he would be better as the No. 9. The only problem is when Rashford’s played on the right he hasn’t really found his best form so they could switch round quite a bit.

“Give Greenwood chances he will score. He is destined to be a superstar. He’s got to keep his feet on the ground, keep working hard and there’s nothing to stop him.”

For his part, Greenwood says his long-term ambition is to take that main central role, but for now he’s happy to keep learning his trade switching roles and playing across the front line as needed.

“I always wanted to be a striker when I was younger. I’ve also been a winger in the youth team and in the academy, I’ve been between both of them,”

“I do want to play centre forward eventually but I’m always happy on the right and it’s a good position to work from.”

United return to domestic action on Sunday night against Newcastle United, before the second leg in Europe against La Real.