Who needs to sign top-caliber strikers when you have what you need in your very own youth categories?
Manchester United had a rocky start of the UEFA Europa League, but 17-year-old Mason Greenwood stepped up to thank Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's vote of confidence with a stellar performance against Astana. If that was not enough reason to praise the teenager, he was able to find the back of the net just when the game seemed to be destined to end in a goalless draw.
Greenwood's performance included a nice dribble past one of Astana's defenders, and he topped it all by placing the ball between goalie Nenad Eric's legs.
The goal itself was one hell of a moment for Manchester United fans, but it also had some historical relevance to the team and to the player himself.
Mason Greenwood has become @ManUtd's youngest ever scorer in Europe
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) September 19, 2019
@_MasonGreenwood 17y & 353d
@MarcusRashford 18y & 117d
George Best 18y & 158d#ManUtd #UEL pic.twitter.com/JEwPdmJtSZ
2001 - Mason Greenwood is the first player born in the 2000s to score a senior goal for Manchester United (October 2001). Blossom. pic.twitter.com/bKicGOGckg
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 19, 2019
Just in case you missed it, have a look at Greenwood's first senior goal with Manchester United (Image might be geo-restricted).
17-year-old Mason Greenwood fires Man United into the lead in the club's Europa League opener! #UEL
— Planet Fútbol (@si_soccer) September 19, 2019
(via @brlive)pic.twitter.com/ePVvIHEx5j