Mason Greenwood may have thought the same thing as everyone else during Manchester United’s FA Cup victory against Newport.
In the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, Manchester United overcame a scare thanks to four goals against Newport County. But a recurring issue continued at Rodney Parade, leaving Mason Greenwood possibly set on his future and Rasmus Hojlund infuriated with his teammates.
Erik ten Hag’s team made such a difficult game out of a draw against League Two opponents, which was typical of United’s troubles this season.
Thirteen minutes in, the visitors had taken a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. But by minute 47, it was tied 2-2 and in a tight spot.
After Hojlund scored his eighth goal of the season in stoppage time, Antony restored United’s lead on the 68th minute, evoking a cry of relief.
It was amid the last fading embers that Hojlund’s chance finally presented itself. He had not fired a shot. In South Wales, he watched in frustration as Alejandro Garnacho went for the same kind of glory while Antony cut inside and aimed off target.
Still, the problem is not new. All season long, Ten Hag’s wingers have been unable to find Hojlund because they are set up to shoot rather than pass or cross.
Actually, just three of the 20-year-old’s eight goals for United have come from teammates.
He was found with a cutback by Marcus Rashford during the 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich in September. Once more, he supplied the opening goal of Hojlund’s brace against Galatasaray in October with a precise cross.
When the Denmark international returned to FC Copenhagen in November, Scott McTominay squared the ball for him, and he scored another brace.
Greenwood, who moved to Madrid with his family, is apparently eager to stay in Spain past the summer. Among the teams interested in him are Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Any striker who watches United’s offence in action and deprives the front man of service is unlikely to be eager to join the team. Greenwood won’t be any different from this.
Nevertheless, it appears that the Red Devils have already decided what to do with their former No. 11. This summer, they hope to capitalise on his curiosity.
Ten Hag needs to address Hojlund’s unavailability of service, nevertheless. At the end of the season, with strong ties to Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, he may do that in the transfer market.
Greenwood might, nevertheless, agree with United that it would be better for him to leave Old Trafford in the future.
