OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER believes he has a young Robin van Persie on his hands in the form of Mason Greenwood.
The 18-year-old stepped up again and scored with a wonderful finish in the 3-0 thumping of Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League on Thursday night.
And for Solskjaer it was further proof that Manchester United have potentially one of the great goalscorers in their ranks.
Asked if he reminded him of Arsenal and United legend Van Persie, Solskjaer said: Definitely.
He is very composed with his finishing.
It is natural to him. Right foot, left foot I dont think he still knows which is the best one.
That is very difficult for defenders to defend against.
Hes doing his finishing practices in training. I can see it every day.
Then the good thing is he can do it at Old Trafford in front of a full crowd.
He doesnt get fazed by the occasion. Hes still composed.
Whether its a game with his mates in the park or a cup final he will still finish the same.
Proof of that came when Solskjaer dropped him back into the under-21s for a Football League Trophy tie away to Doncaster at the end of last month.
There was no sulking from Greenwood as he scored the last minute winner in a 2-1 win.
Solskjaer rates him the best finisher in the club.
Still at a time when his side are searching for goals he will not fast track him into being a first team regular.
Solskjaer insists he will manage his progression for the long term good of the club not for short term gain for himself.
He said: Im managing for Man United, Im not managing for me. I managing for the best way we can get the best out of Mason
He is going to have a very big career, but sometimes is not the right time to play him.
He knows why he hasnt played as much. Were taking our time with him. Its been a difficult period.
Anthony Martial has been away and to put all the weight on his shoulder wasnt right.
I think we are finding the right balance between playing him, resting him and training him.
Its always been in our philosophy and my philosophy to give young players with the right attitude a chance and if that takes a couple of years for him to really, really come through, its worth it for us.
Solskjaer has also made it clear to Greenwood of the exacting standards there are to be a Manchester United first team regular.
That means performing every day in training as well as on the pitch at Old Trafford.
He said: He needs to learn the mans game. Hes gone up from the under 18s last year, now hes training with the first team every day and you cant just turn that switch on and off.
Youve got to perform every day if you are going to be accepted by a group like this.
If hed really stamped his authority in training every single day and been the best option he would have played every game, but as a young boy you expect ups and downs and hes had some downs. But I think he is on his way up again.
