Maybe it's not all doom and gloom at Manchester United.
At the end of last season, it was a dark time to be a United fan. The sheen associated with the early days of the Solskjaer reign had very much worn off, and the reality had begun to set in of the magnitude of the rebuilding job that lay ahead.
As we advanced into the summer, the protracted nature of their transfer negotiations were another cause for concern. A couple of deals were completed, but there still seems like there is work to be done.
While Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James have offered signs of encouragement during their limited pre-season run thus far, the most exciting prospect may have emerged from the club's youth academy.
At only 17-years old, Mason Greenwood looks like he could have a major impact at Old Trafford in the upcoming campaign.
Having began the pre-season with a goal in each of their opening two matches against Perth Glory and Leeds United, the meeting with Inter Milan this morning was set to be a sterner test of his abilities. He passed with flying colours.
Greenwood would score the only goal of the game, an incredibly well taken strike which displayed his killer instinct in the penalty area. He showed great composure to turn the defender, and then bury it with his left foot.
Goal of the day brought to you by @LaLigaEN was the only goal of the match.
Mason Greenwood’s 76’ strike was nicely taken. pic.twitter.com/zhNo7WwdcY— International Champions Cup (@IntChampionsCup) July 20, 2019
That wasn't his only highlight of the game. He made absolute mince meat of heralded Inter centre back Milan Škriniar with this roulette in the closing stages.
Having scored 42 goals in the underage ranks last season, all those associated with United are understandably excited about his prospects in the senior side.
Ole on Mason Greenwood: “he’s a natural finisher. He’s been practising but he just knows where the ball’s gonna end up....he’s a natural goalscorer.” #FullTimeJay
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) July 20, 2019
Humble. Hard worker. And a hell of a finisher. Well done @_MasonGreenwood! 🔴⚪⚫ @ManUtd #MUTOUR pic.twitter.com/8KWciQJq14
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) July 20, 2019
On 🔥 my bro @_MasonGreenwood
Thank you Singapore 🇸🇬🙌🏾 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/PDs3Oetexl— Tahith Chong (@TahithC) July 20, 2019
The kid is on 🔥 @_masongreenwood
Thanks for the support Singapore! 🇸🇬 See you guys in Shanghai pic.twitter.com/62gi5E93wN— Diogo Dalot (@DalotDiogo) July 20, 2019
