Despite a rather lackluster performance against FC Astana, Manchester United earned a crucial win in their opening Europa League fixture thanks to Mason Greenwood.
The 17-year-old will never forget this night as he scored his first senior goal for the Red Devils late on in the game to save Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s blushes. The visitors from Kazakhstan were threatening to hold out for a draw but Greenwood produced a clever finish in front of the Stretford End to become United’s youngest scorer in European competitions.
Earlier in the game, Brazilian midfielder Fred saw his effort hit the bar from 25 yards before forcing a fine save from a free-kick and English attacker Marcus Rashford wasted a string of chances against the European minnows. But the visiting side did not even manage a single shot on target however, they were frustrating their opponents into a stalemate.
However, that frustration turned to ecstasy when Greenwood, who has been a product of the United academy since the age of six, popped up with the winner. The home side had the chance to stretch their advantage but wasted a number of chances as Solskjaer’s young guns delivered a win at Old Trafford.
Although Astana wasn’t a big threat they did pose a few question marks over United’s defending as they were able to get through the backline with relative ease over the top. Manchester United was rather scrappy on the night but thanks to Greenwood’s little bit of magic, they were able to rack up the points and help the fans sleep peacefully. The teenage attacker showed great maturity to cut the ball back onto his right foot and fire a low shot between the keeper’s legs.
