The Manchester United boss spoke about the two players after his side’s draw against Young Boys.
Ralf Rangnick used Mason Greenwood in his starting lineup against Young Boys on Wednesday. The Manchester United youngster delivered an impressive performance despite his side’s underwhelming 1-1 draw.
Greenwood scored United’s only goal of the night with a stunning volley in the ninth minute. However, another incredible goal equalized the game for the guests.
In a post-match interview, Ralf Rangnick praised Mason Greenwood for his performance.
“I think, again, today, he also showed – not only because of that beautiful goal – but also the way he set up the opportunity for Juan Mata it was brilliant.
“He is a massive talent. Left foot, right foot, good on the ball. Also, the way that he set up the goal for Fred on Sunday [against Crystal Palace]. But, still, it’s about continuity. He still needs to develop physically. But technically, for his age, he’s a great player.
“My job is to develop him, to make an athlete out of him. If he manages to do that, he can become a regular player for this club.”
Haaland or Greenwood?
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a move for Erling Haaland. However, they also have Greenwood in their squad, who many believe to be better in some areas than Haaland.
Asked about the comparisons between the two young strikers, Rangnick responded (via Metro): “I don’t think that we should compare those two players,” Rangnick, who worked with Haaland at Salzburg, said. “They are different kind of strikers and players.
“Erling Haaland is extremely physical. He’s, I don’t know, 1.93 or 1.94cm. A different kind of striker. Erling, for me, is a target striker. He can play as a single striker, like a target-man, or with another striker in a 4–4-2.
“I think Mason is more of a nine-and-a-half. He can play as a striker, he can also come from the wing, he can play together with another striker.
“He’s very technical, left foot, right foot. Sometimes he looks a little bit not on an athletic level, and I think we have to develop him there physically. But technically all the things that he can do with the ball are outstanding.
“So I’m not so much worried about his technical level. We need to develop him physically and mentally to become the strongest version of himself and if we manage to do that he can become a regular player and a very valuable player for our club for the future.”
Man United will continue their Premier League campaign with a game against Norwich on Saturday. The Red Devils sit sixth on the league table, with expectations already piling up on the newly-hired boss.
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